Division        1(SIIC14 
Section  \i  £>  O 


STUDIES  IN   OLD    TESTAMENT 
CHARACTERS 


BY 


WILBERT  WEBSTER  WHITE,  Ph.  D. 


Second  Revision. 


NEW  YORK 
YOUNG    MEN'S    CHRISTIAN    ASSOCIATION    PRESS 

1907 


COPYRIGHTED,  1 9OO,  BY 
VHE  INTERNATIONAL  COM- 
MITTEE OF  YOUNG  MEN** 
CHRISTIAN  ASSOCIATION* 
ENTERED  AT  STATIONEM* 
•♦XL.    LONDON,     ENGLAW4) 


PREFACE 

THE   AIM   AND    THE    SCOPE   OF   STUDIES   IN 
OLD   TESTAMENT   CHARACTERS 


While  the  purpose  in  "  Studies  in  Old  Testament  Characters  " 
has  been  to  present  for  the  student  a  course  primarily  devotional  and 
practical,  it  may  be  that  the  scope  of  the  Studies,  which  is  larger  than 
anything  merely  biographical,  is  not  sufficiently  indicated  by  the  title. 

Not  only  is  the  attempt  made  to  interpret  each  character  studied 
in  the  light  of  the  immediate  historic  situation,  and  to  derive  valuable 
personal  instruction  from  utterances,  acts  and  manifest  motives,  but 
the  relation  of  each  character  to  a  greater  national  and  world  move- 
ment is  to  some  extent  considered.  This  requires  a  study  of  the 
movement  itself.  It  is  sought  to  know  how  each  age,  with  its 
accumulation  from  the  past,  grew  out  of  the  past  and  beyond  itself 
and  moulded  its  characters,  and  how  in  turn  each  character  moulded 
his  own  age  and  influenced  the  future. 

Characters  are  personifications  of  times,  and  they  are  products 
and  potentialities.  Into  the  proper  study  of  Old  Testament  Charac- 
ters, Old  Testament  History,  Psalm  and  Prophecy  must  enter. 

Moreover,  it  should  be  noted  that  this  course  is  restricted  in  its 
reach  by  its  avowed  aim.  It  must  not  do  critical  or  much  exhaustive 
work.  It  takes  for  granted  that  there  is  in  the  curriculum  a  certain 
amount  of  literary  and  critical  Bible  Study.  This  course  is  the  third 
of  a  cycle  which  is  designed  to  supplement  rather  than  to  supersede 
college  class-room  work. 

The  authors  of  "  Studies  in  the  Life  of  Christ "  and  "  Studies  in 
the  Acts  and  Epistles  "  (the  two  preceding  courses  of  the  series)  had 
bases  for  their  work  already  at  hand  in  "  A  Harmony  of  the  Gospels  " 
by  Stevens  and  Burton,  and  "  Records  and  Letters  of  the  Apostolic 
Age "  by  Burton.  The  advantages  of  such  re-arrangement  of  the 
Bible  text  as  is  found  in  these  books  have  been  clearly  shown  by  the 
use  of  these  courses  by  students.  The  value  of  similar  analysis  and 
re-arrangement  of  the  material  in  the  Old  Testament  is  equally  great 


in  providing  a  basis  for  the  study  of  Old  Testament  characters.  The 
amount  of  material  in  a  volume  containing  a  reprint  of  the  entire  Old 
Testament  text  would  be  too  large,  however,  to  meet  the  purposes  for 
which  this  book  has  been  prepared. 

The  accompanying  Analytical  Outline  it  is  believed  will  meet  all 
the  needs  of  the  student  pursuing  this  course.  This  outline  has  a 
chronological  arrangement,  and  it  puts  in  parallel  columns  references 
to  duplicate  material. 

The  Diagrams  of  Books  of  the  Bible,  and  of  periods  of  time  will 
explain  themselves.  It  is  hoped  that  they  may  help  to  a  clearer  grasp 
of  many  historical  situations,  and  a  more  comprehensive  knowledge  of 
the  Old  Testament  Scriptures. 

The  words  of  Professor  Burton  in  his  preface  to  "  Records  and 
Letters  of  the  Apostolic  Age"  in  reference  to  critical  questions  as 
related  to  his  work,  are  so  suitable  to  the  problems  met  in  the  Old 
Testament  field,  that  I  take  the  liberty  to  quote  them  here,  changing 
only  such  words  as  are  necessary  to  adapt  the  passage  to  the  Old 
Testament :  "  For  the  purpose  of  this  work  it  is  assumed  that  the 
claims  of  authorship  made  in  the  books  themselves  are  true.  This 
course  is  indeed  the  one  which  is  most  congenial  to  my  own  opinions. 
While  the  evidence,  or  lack  of  evidence,  in  a  few  cases  certainly  justi- 
fies the  treatment  of  the  question  of  genuineness  as  an  open  one,  such 
examination  and  estimation  of  it  as  I  have  been  able  to  make  has  not 
led  me  to  a  positive  conclusion  against  the  genuineness  of  any  of  the 
books  with  which  we  here  have  to  do.  Yet  I  have  constructed  the 
work  on  this  basis  not  so  much  for  the  purpose  of  expressing  an 
opinion  on  each  of  the  points  at  issue,  as  because,  in  my  judgment,  it 
best  adapts  the  book  to  the  uses  for  which  it  is  intended.  The  ordi- 
nary student  of  the  Bible,  not  specially  trained  in  biblical  science, 
may  well  make  the  genuineness  of  the  Old  Testament  books  his  work- 
ing hypothesis  at  least.  The  mature  scholar,  if  he  has  reached  the 
conclusion  that  all  the  Old  Testament  books  here  under  consideration 
are  genuine,  will  of  course  desire  them  assigned  to  a  place  consistent 
with  this  conclusion.  If  he  has  reached  a  different  conclusion  in  any 
case,  the  plan  here  adopted  will  at  least  furnish  him  a  basis  of  criticism 
in  an  arrangement  whose  faultiness  he  will  be  able  to  point  out." 


CONTENTS 


FAGE 

Titles  of  the  Studies ,  viii 

General  Suggestions, ix 

Principal  Divisions  of  the  Old  Testament  History 

of  Abraham  and  his  Posterity xi 

Analytical  Outline  of  the  Old  Testament  History 

of  Abraham  and  his  Posterity,        ....  xiii 

Studies  in  Old  Testament  Characters,  i 

Appendix— Diagrams 217 


vii 


Titles  of  the  Studies 


Study  i.  Abraham,  the  Friend  of  God 
Study  2.  Abraham,  the  Friend  of  God 
Study     3.     The   Sons   of   Abraham   to  the 

Third  Generation 
Study    4.     The   Sons   of   Abraham  to  the 

Fourth  Generation 
Study     5.     Moses,  the  Man  of  God 
Study     6.     Moses,  the  Man  of  God 
Study     7.     Moses,  the  Man  of  God 
Study     8.     Joshua  and  the  Judges 
Study     9.     Samuel,  the  Judge  and  Prophet 
Study  10.     Saul,  the  Rejected  of  the  Lord 
Study  ii.     David,  the  Man  after  God's  Own 

Heart 
Study  i  2.     David,  the  Man  after  God's  Own 

Heart 
Study  13.     David,  the  Man  after  God's  Own 

Heart 
Study  14.     David,  the  Man  after  God's  Own 

Heart 
Study  15.     Solomon,  the  Son  of  David 
Study  16.      Kings  and  Prophets  of  Pre- Assy- 
rian Times 
Study  17.     Kings   and    Prophets    of    Early- 
Assyrian  Times 
Study  18.     Kings  and    Prophets    of    Early 

Assyrian  Times 
Study  19.     Kings    and    Prophets  of  Early 

Assyrian  Times 
STUDY  20.     Kings  and  Prophets   of   Middle 

Assyrian  Times 
Study  21.     Kings  and  Prophets  of  Middle 

Assyrian  Times 
Study  22.     Kings    and    Prophets    of    Late 

AssyrianTimes,  withReview 
Study  23.     Jeremiah   the   Prophet   and  his 

Contemporaries 
Study  24.     Jeremiah   the   Prophet  and   his 

Contemporaries 
Study  25.     Jeremiah  the    Prophet   and    his 

Contemporaries 
Study  26.     Jeremiah   the   Prophet  and   his 

Contemporaries 
Study  27.     Among  the  Captives  in  Babylon 
Study  28.     Among  the  Captives  in  Babylon 
Study  29.     Leaders   of    the   Reconstruction 

Period 
Study  30.     Leaders  of  the    Reconstruction 

Period 


§     1  to  §     2  inclusive 
§    2 

§     3  to  §     7  inclusive 

§  8  to  §  14 

§  i5to§   18        - 

§  18 

§  19  to  §  21  inclusive 

§  22  to  §  28 

§  29  to  §  35        « 

§  36  to  §  41 

§  38  to  §  43        " 

§  44  to  §  54       " 

§  55  to  §  63       " 

§  64to§  71 
§  72  to  §  77 

§  78  to  §  84 

§  85  to  §  91 

§  92  to  §  99 

§100  to  §101 

§102  to  §106       " 

§107  to  §108        " 

§108  to  §114 

§115  to  §117        " 

§118  to  §128 

§129  to  §136 

§137  to  §140 
§141  to  §142 
§142  to  §147        " 

§148  to  §160        " 

§161  to  §169        M 


Studies  in   Old   Testament  Characters 


GENERAL  SUGGESTIONS 


Read  over  these  suggestions  at  the  beginning  of  each  week. 

Scripture  supplies  no  shortcuts  for  the  interect.  Expect  to  apply  the 
mind  with  even  more  vigor  in  this  study  than  in  any  other.  God's 
Word  surely  has  messages  to  you.  Be  very  simple  and  sincere  in 
giving  heed. 

Follow  the  order  of  the  day's  work.  Read  and  follow  each  direction 
as  you  come  to  it.  Do  not  read  even  the  second  part  of  the  first 
direction  before  doing  the  first  part. 

Do  exactly  as  directed.  If  the  direction  is :  Glance  over  the  section, 
do  not  read  it. 

Work  with  regularity.     Do  the  work  of  each  day  in  its  day. 

Employ  a  portion  of  the  best  of  the  day.  Let  it  be  if  possible  the 
first  part  of  the  day. 

Study  the  material  itself.     Do  not  let  the  mind  wander. 

Hurry  never,  but  do  not  waste  time.     Be  expeditious. 

Be  always  thoughtful. 

Be  always  applying  to  your  life  when  there  is  material  applicable.  Do 
not  force  applications. 

Do  not  strain  the  material  for  thought.  Let  it  yield  what  is  there  and 
be  content. 

Do  not  be  sidetracked.  Keep  to  the  work  in  hand.  Note  additional 
lines  of  thought  and  investigation  which  suggest  themselves,  but  work 
them  out  at  another  time. 

Develop  the  historical  imagination,  but  be  careful  that  it  be  true  to 
history. 

Be  on  your  guard  against  estimating  the  characters  of  ancient  times 
by  present  day  standards.  Take  sufficiently  into  account  the  political, 
religious  and  social  conditions  of  the  times. 

Record  thoughts,    impressions,   questions  and   difficulties.      Do   not 

insist  that  all  questions  be  answered  and  all  difficulties  be  removed  at 

once.     Study  and  wait. 

ix 


Use  the  maps  and  diagrams  freely. 

Do  not  pass  by  marginal  references  and  footnotes. 

Be  on  special  guard  not  to  derive  answers  to  questions  propounded  in 
the  Studies  from  some  other  source  than  the  text.  As  a  rule  answers 
will  be  found  in  the  text. 

Be  patient  and  persistent.     Results  will  come  if  you  work  and  wait. 

Emphasize  prayer.  Howsoever  brief  the  time  of  study  may  be,  at 
the  beginning  of  it,  definitely  lift  the  heart  to  God  for  help  and  direction. 

Make  rigid  application  of  the  personal  thought  to  the  life.  Form  the 
habit  of  recalling  often  during  the  day  points  from  the  lesson  of  the 
morning. 

z 


PRINCIPAL     DIVISIONS    OF    THE    OLD 
TESTAMENT  HISTORY  OF  ABRA- 
HAM AND  HIS  POSTERITY 


Part     I.— PREPARATORY   CENTURIES:    From   Abraham    until 
Moses. 

Part    II.— NATIONAL  DEVELOPMENT:    From  Moses  until  Solo- 
mon. 

Part  III.— NATIONAL  DECLINATION:     From   Solomon   until   the 
Babylonian  Captivity. 

Part  IV.— TIMES  OF  RECONSTRUCTION:    From  the  Babylonian 
Captivity  until  Nehemiah. 

xi 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE    OF    THE    OLD 

TESTAMENT  HISTORY  OF  ABRAHAM 

AND  HIS  POSTERITY 


ARRANGED    IN    PARTS,    CHAPTERS,    AND     SECTIONS 


PART  I. 
PREPARATORY  CENTURIES 

FROM    ABRAHAM    UNTIL    MOSES 

Chapter  I.    The  Generations  of  Terah 

Section 
i.     The  Migration  of  the  Terachites. 
Genesis  11:27-32. 

2.  The  History  of  Abraham. 

Genesis  12:1-25:11. 

Chapter  II.    The  Generations  of  Ishmael 

3.  Names  and  Dwellings  of  the  Sons  of  Ishmael. 

Genesis  25:12-18. 

Chapter  III.    The  Generations  of  Isaac 

4.  The  Birth  and  Early  History  of  Isaac's  Sons. 

Genesis  25:19-34. 

5.  The  Subsequent  Career  of  Isaac. 

Genesis  26:1-35. 

6.  The  Blessing  of  Jacob  by  Isaac. 

Genesis  27:1-40. 

7.  The  Fortunes  of  Jacob. 

Genesis  27:41-35:29. 

[Chapter  IV.    The  Generations  of  Esau] 

[Genesis  36:1-37:1.] 

Chapter  V.    The  Generations  of  Jacob 

8.  The  Wickedness  of  Jacob's  Sons. 

Genesis  37:2-38:30. 

9.  The  Fortunes  of  Joseph  in  Egypt. 

Genesis  39:1-41:57. 

xiii 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE 


Section 

io.     The  Famine  in  the  Land  of  Canaan. 

Genesis  42:1-45:28. 

11.  The  Descent  of  Jacob  to  Egypt. 

Genesis  46:1-30. 

12.  The  Settlement  of  Jacob  and  his  Family  in  Egypt. 

Genesis  46:31-47:12. 

1 3.  The  Last  Days  of  Jacob  in  Egypt. 

Genesis  47:13-49:33. 


14,     The  Las/  of  Jacob's  Sons. 
Genesis  50:1-26. 


PART  II. 
NATIONAL  DEVELOPMENT 

FROM   MOSES  UNTIL  SOLOMON 

Chapter  VI.    The  Life  of  Moses  from  his  Birth  until  the  Arrival  at  Sinai 

15.  The  Birth,  Training  and  Call  of  Moses. 

Exodus  1:1-7:7. 

16.  The  Plagues  and  the  Passover. 

Exodus  7:8-12:36. 

17.  The  Exodus  and  the  Journey  to  Sinai. 

Exodus  12:37-19:2. 

Chapter  VII.    The  Life  of  Moses  from  the  Arrival  at  Sinai  until  His 

Death 

18.  Legislation  at  Sinai. 

Exodus  19:3-40:38;  The  Book  of  Leviticus. 

19.  The  Journeyings  of  Israel  in  the  Wilderness. 

The  Book  of  Numbers. 

20.  The  Wilderness  Hymn. 

Psalm  90. 

21.  Farewell  Addresses,  Song  and  Death  of  Moses. 

The  Book  of  Deuteronomy. 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE 


Chapter  VIII.    Joshua  and  the  Conquest  of  Canaan 

SlCTION 

22.  Preparation  for  the  Conquest  of  Canaan. 

Joshua  1:1-5:12. 

23.  The  Central,  Southern  and  Northern  Campaigns. 

Joshua  5:13-12:24. 

Chapter  IX.    Joshua  and  the  Division  of  Canaan 

24.  The  Inheritance  of  the  Tribes ;  Last  Acts  and  Words  of  Joshua, 

Joshua  13:1-24:33. 

Chapter  X.    The  Times  of  the  Judges  until  Samuel 

25.  The  Earlier  Judges  until  Gideon. 

Judges  1:1-5:31. 

26.  Gideon  and  his  Successors. 

Judges  6:1-10:5. 

27.  Jephthah  and  Samson. 

Judges  10:6-16:31. 

28.  Internal  Glimpses  of  the  Times  of  the  Judges. 

Judges  17:1-21:25;  the  Book  of  Ruth. 

Chapter  XI.    The  Life  of  Samuel  until  the  Anointing  of  Saul 

29.  The  Early  Life  of  Samuel. 

1  Sam.  i:i~4:ia. 

30.  Invasion  of  the  Philistines ;  Judgment  on  the  House  of  Eli. 

1  Sam.  4:1^4:22. 

31.  The  Ark  of  God. 

1  Sam.  5:1-7:1. 

32.  The  Gathering  at  Mizpah ;  Ebenezer. 

x  Sam.  7:2-17. 

33.  The  Request  of  the  People  for  a  King. 

z  Sam.  8:1-22. 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE 


Chapter  XII.     Samuel  and  Saul  until  the  Anointing  of  David 

Section 

34.  The  Anointing,  Election  and  Establishment  of  Saul  as  King. 

1  Sam.  9:1-11:15. 

35.  Samuel's  Valedictory. 

1  Sam.  12:1-25. 

36.  Saul's  Wars  with  the  Philistines. 

1  Sam.  13:1-14:46,  52. 

37.  The  Rejection  of  Saul. 

1  Sam.  15:1-35. 

Chapter  XIII.    The  Decline  of  Saul  and  the  Rise  of  David 

38.  The  Anointing,  Advancement  and  Popularity  of  David. 

1  Sam.  16:1-18:9. 

39.  Saul's  Early  Attempts  on  David's  Life. 

I  Sam.  18:10-20:42. 

40.  David's  Life  as  an  Exile. 

I  Sam.  21:1-27:125   1  Chron.  12:1-18. 

41.  Closing  Scenes  of  Saul's  Life. 

1  Sam.  28:1-30:31. 

1  Sam.  31:1-13;   1  Chron.  10:1-14. 

42.  Psalms  Reflecting  David's  Experience  as  a  Shepherd. 

Psalms  8,  19,  23,  29. 

43.  Psalms  Reflecting  David's  Life  as  an  Exile. 

Psalms  7,  34,  35,  52,  56,  57,  63,  142. 

Chapter  XIV.    David's  Reign  over  Judah  at  Hebron 

44.  The  Song  of  the  Bow. 

2  Sam.  1:1-27. 

45.  The  Rivals  of  David  Defeated. 

2  Sam.  2:1-4:12. 


ANALYTICAL   OUTLINE 


xvn 


Chapter  XV.     David's  Reign  over  all  Israel  at  Jerusalem 

Section 

46.  David  Established  as  King  over  the  Nation. 

2  Sam.  5:1-55      1  Chron.  11:1-3. 

I  Chron.  12:23-40. 
2  Sam.  5:6-10;    1  Chron.  11:4-9. 

47.  Catalogue  and  Exploits  of  David's  Mighty  Men. 

2  Sam.  23:8-39;    1  Chron.  11:10-47. 

48.  David  and  the  Tyrians  and  the  Philistines. 

2  Sam.  5:11-25;       1  Chron.  14:1-17. 

2  Sam.  21:15-17. 
a  Sam.  21:18-22;    1  Chron.  20:4-8. 

49.  Removal  of  the  Ark  to  the  House  of  Obed-edom. 

1  Chron.    13:1-5. 
2  Sam.  6:l-ll;    I  Chron.    13:6-14. 

50.  Removal  of  the  Ark  to  Jerusalem. 

2  Sam.  6:12-23;   1  Chron.  15:1-16:7. 
Portions  of  Psalms  105,  95,  106;   1  Chron.   16:8-36. 

1  Chron.  16:37-43. 

51.  Songs  of  the  Removal  of  the  Ark. 

Psalms  15,  24. 

52.  The  Promise  of  Eternal  Dominion  to  the  House  of  David. 

2  Sam.  7:1-29;    1  Chron.  17:1-27. 

53.  David's  Foreign  Conquests. 

2  Sam.  8:1-18;   I  Chron.  18:1-17. 

54.  David's  Great  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving. 

2  Sam.  22:1-51;   Psalm  18:1-50. 

55.  Other  Royal  Hymns. 

Psalms  101,  20,  21,  60,  no. 

56.  David's  Kindness  to  Saul's  Son. 

2  Sam.  9:1-13. 

^7.     The  Famine  and  the  Execution  of  Saul's  Sons. 
2  Sam.  21:1-14. 


ANALYTICAL  OUTLINE 


Section 

58.  David's  Wars  with  the  Ammonites  and  their  Allies. 

a  Sam.   10:1-19;      1  Chron.   19:1-19. 
2  Sam.  1:1;  I  Chron.  20:1. 

2  Sam.   12:26-31;    I  Chron.  20:2,  3. 

59.  David's  Great  Sin  and  His  Repentance. 

2  Sam.  11:2-12:25. 

60.  Psalms  of  David  the  Penitent. 

Psalms  51,  32. 

61.  David's  Family  Troubles. 

2  Sam.  13:1-14:33. 

62.  The  Rebellion  of  Absolom. 

2  Sam.  15:1-20:26. 

63.  Some  Psalms  Which  Reflect  Experiences  of  David's  Later  Life. 

Psalms  41,  39,  55,  3,  4,  25,  28,  58,  61,  62,  63,  109,  143 

64.  The  Census  and  the  Plague. 

2  Sam.   24:1-25;    1  Chron.  21:1-27. 

65.  David's  Preparation  for  the  Building  of  the  Temple. 

1  Chron.   21:28-22:19. 

66.  Other  Psalms  Ascribed  in  the  Psalter  to  David. 

Psalms  5,  6,  9,  11,  13,  16,  17,  22,  26,  27,  30,  31,  35,  36,  37,  38, 
40,  64,  65,  68,  69,  70,  86,  103,  108,  122,  131,  133,  138,  139, 
140,  141,  144,  145. 

67.  David  as  an  Organizer. 

1  Chron.    23:1-27:34. 

68.  Solomon  Chosen  to  be  David's  Successor. 

1  Kings  1:1-53. 

69.  David's  Charge  About  the  Temple ;  the  Offerings  and  the  Prayer 

I  Chron.  28:1-29:25. 

70.  David's  Last  Charge  to  Solomon. 

1  Kings  2:1-9. 

71.  The  Last  Words  of  David. 

2  Sam.  23:1-7. 

1  Chron.  29:26-30;   1  Kings  as  10,  II. 


ANALYTICAL  OUTLINE 


Chapter  XVI.     Solomon,  the  Son  of  David 

Section 

72.  Solomon  Established  upon  the  Throne  of  David. 

1  Kings  2:12-46. 

73.  The  Ideal  King. 

Psalm  72. 

74.  The  Wisdom  of  Solomon. 

1  Kings  3:1-4:36;   2  Chron.  1:7-13. 

75.  The  Temple  and  the  Palace  of  Solomon. 

I  Kings  5:1-8:66;   2  Chron.  2:1-7:10. 

76.  The  Glory  and  the  Decline  of  Solomon. 

I  Kings  9:1-11:42;   2  Chron.  7:11-9:31. 

77.  The  Books  Commonly  Attributed  to  Solomon. 

The  Canticles,  The  Proverbs,  and  Ecclesiastes. 

PART  III. 

NATIONAL  DECLINATION 

rtOM  SOLOMON  UNTIL  THE  BABYLONIAN  CAPTIVITY 

Chapter  XVII.    Kings  and  Prophets  of  Pre-Assyrian  Times 

78.  Rehoboam  of  Judah  and  Jeroboam  of  Israel. 

I  Kings  11:26-14:31;   2  Chron.  9:31-12:16. 

19.     A  Man  of  God  and  an  Old  Prophet. 
1  Kings  13:1-34. 

Bo.     Ahijah  the  Prophet  and  Jeroboam  the  King. 

1  Kings  14:1-20. 

Si.     Abijam  of  Judah  and  Jeroboam  of  Israel. 

2  Chron.   13:1-22. 

82.  The  Kings  Abijam  and  Asa  of  Judah. 

1  Kings  15:1-24. 

83.  The  Chronicler's  Account  of  Asa  of  Judah. 

2  Chron.   14:1-16:14  (cf.  1  Kings  15:9-24). 

84.  The  Five  Kings  of  Israel  Next  After  Jeroboam. 

1  Kings  15:25-16:27. 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE 


Chapter  XVIII.     Kings  and  Prophets  of  Early  Assyrian  Times 

Section 

85.  Elijah  and  the  Famine  in  Ahab's  Time. 

1  Kings   16:28-19:21. 

86.  Ahab  of  Israel  and  Ben-hadad  of  Syria. 

1  Kings  20:1-43. 
$7.     Ahab  of  Israel  and  Naboth  the  Jezreelite. 

I  Kings  21:1-29. 

88.  Ahab  of  Israel  and  Micaiah  the  Prophet. 

I  Kings  22:1-40;   2  Chron.  18:1-34. 

89.  Jehoshaphat  King  of  Judah. 

1  Kings  22:41-50;   2  Chron.  17:1-21:1. 

90.  The  Last  Days  and  the  Translation  of  Elijah. 

1  Kings  22:51-2  Kings  2:18. 

91.  Elisha  the  Prophet, 

2  Kings  2:19-8:15. 

92.  The  Sons  of  Ahab  of  Israel  and  of  Jehoshaphat  of  Judah. 

2  Kings  8:16-29;    2  Chron.  21:1-22:9. 

93.  Elisha  the  Prophet  and  Jehu  King  of  Israel. 

2  Kings  9:1-10:36. 

94.  Athaliah  Queen  of  Judah  and  Jehoiada  the  Priest. 

2  Kings  11:1-20;   2  Chron.  22:10-23:21. 

95.  Jehoiada  the  Priest  and  Joash  King  of  Judah. 

2  Kings  11:21-12:21;   2  Chron.  24:1-27. 

96.  Elisha  the  Prophet  and  Jehoash  King  of  Israel. 

2  Kings  13:1-25. 

97.  Amaziah  of  Judah  and  Jehoash  of  Israel. 

2  Kings  14:1-22;  2  Chron.  25:1-28. 

98.  The  Kingdom  of  Judah  and  Joel  the  Prophet. 

Joel  1:1-3:21. 

99.  Jeroboam  II  King  of  Israel  and  Jonah  the  Prophet. 

2  Kings  14:23-29;  The  Book  of  Jonah. 

100.  Jeroboam  II  King  of  Israel  and  Amos  the  Prophet. 

2  Kings  14:23-29;  The  Book  of  Amos. 

101.  Jeroboam  II  King  of  Israel  and  Hosea  the  Prophet. 

a  Kings  14:23-29;  The  Book  of  Hosea. 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE 


Chapter  XIX.     Kings  and  Prophets  of  Middle  Assyrian  Times 

Section 

i 02.     The  Last  Six  Kings  of  Israel  and  Hosea  the  Prophet. 
2  Kings  1 5:8-3 1  j    17:1-41;  The  Book  of  Hosea. 

103.  Uzziah  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the  Prophet. 

2  Chron.  26:1-23;   Isa.  6:1-13. 

104.  Jotham  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the  Prophet. 

2  Kings  15:32-38;   2  Chron.  27:1-9;   Isa.  2:1-5:30. 

105.  Ahaz  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the  Prophet. 

2  Kings  16:1-20;   2  Chron.  28:1-27;   Isa.  7:1-12:6;    14:28-32. 

106.  Jotham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah,  Kings  of  Judah,  and  Micah  the 

Prophet. 
The  Book  of  Micah. 

107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the  Prophet. 

2  Kings  18:1-20:21;   2  Chron.  29:1-32:33;   Isa.  36:1-39:8. 

108.  Songs  of  Deliverance  from  the  Assyrian. 

Psalms  75,  76,  46,  47,  48. 

109.  A  Summary  of  Isaiah's  Preaching — "The  Great  Arraignment." 

Isaiah  1:1-31. 

Chapter  XX.     Kings  and  Prophets  of  Late  Assyrian  Times 

no.     Manasseh  and  Amon  Kings  of  Judah. 

2  Kings  21:1-28;   2  Chron.  33:1-25. 

111.  Nahum  the  Prophet  and  the  King  of  Assyria. 

The  Book  of  Nahum. 

112.  Josiah  King  of  Judah. 

2  Kings  22:1-23:30;   2  Chron.  34:1-35:27. 

113.  The  Prophet  Habakkuk. 

The  Book  of  Habakkuk. 

1 14.  The  Prophet  Zephaniah. 

The  Book  of  Zephaniah. 

Chapter  XXI.    Jeremiah  the  Prophet  and  His  Contemporaries 

115.  The  Kings  of  Judah  in  Jeremiah's  Time. 

2  Kings  22:1-25:30;   2  Chron.  34:1-36. 


xxii  ANALYTICAL  OUTLINE 

Section 

i  1 6.     The  Call  and  the  Commission  of  Jeremiah. 

Jer.  1:1-19. 

117.  The  Substance  of  Jeremiah's  Message  During  the  Reign  of 

Josiah. 
Jer.  2:1-6:30;  11:1-12:17. 

1 1 8.  The  Arrest  of  Jeremiah  for  Preaching  in  the  Temple  Court. 

Jer.  26:1-24. 

119.  The  Message  of  Jeremiah  for  Which  He  Was  Arrested. 

Jer.  7:1-10:25. 

120.  Jeremiah  as  an  Intercessor. 

Jer.   14:1-15:21. 

I2i.     The  Prophet  Remaining  Unmarried. 
Jer.  16:1-13. 

122.  Various  Messages  of  Warning. 

Jer.  16:14-17:27. 

123.  The  Potter's  House  Visited  and  the  Lesson. 

Jer.   18:1-23. 

124.  The  Potter's  Vessel  and  the  Lesson. 

Jer.  19:1-13. 

125.  Jeremiah  Smitten  and  Imprisoned  by  Pashhur. 

Jer.   19:14-20:18. 

126.  Wine  Offered  by  the  Prophet  to  the  Rechabites. 

Jer.  35:1-19. 

127.  The  Roll  Cut  and  Burned  by  Jehoiakim. 

Jer.  36:1-32. 

1 28.  The  Message  of  Jeremiah  to  Baruch. 

Jer.  45:1-5. 

1 29.  Prophecies  Against  Judah  and  the  Nations. 

Jer.  25:1-38;  46:1-49:39. 

130.  The  Linen  Girdle  and  Its  Message. 

Jer.   13:1-27. 

131.  The  Kings  and  the  False  Prophets  Arraigned. 

Jer.  22:1-23:40. 


ANALYTICAL    OUTLINE  xxiil 

Section 

132.  The  Vision  of  the  Baskets  of  Figs. 

Jer.  24:1-10. 

133.  The  Symbolic  Yokes  and  Bands. 

Jcr.  27:1-11. 

134.  Jeremiah's  Conflict  with  False  Prophets  in  Judea. 

Jcr.  27:12-28:17. 

135.  Jeremiah's  Conflict  with  False  Prophets  in  Babylon. 

Jer.  29:1-32. 

136.  The  Message  about  Babylon. 

Jer.   50:1-51:64. 

137.  The  Book  of  Consolation,  Including  the  Account  of  the  Pur- 

chase of  the  Field. 
Jer.   30:1-33:26. 

^38.     The  Last  Days  and  the  Capture  of  Jerusalem. 

Jer.  21:1-14;    34:1-39:18;   52:1-34. 

*39.     Jeremiah  and  the  Remnant  in  Judea. 

Jer.  40:1-43:7. 

140.  Jeremiah  and  the  Remnant  in  Egypt. 

Jer.  43:8-44:30. 

PART  IV. 
TIMES   OF   RECONSTRUCTION 

FROM  THE  BABYLONIAN  CAPTIVITY  UNTIL  NEHEMIAH 

Chapter  XXII.    The  Seventy  Years  in  Babylon 

141.  The  Call  and  the  Commission  of  Ezekiel. 

Ezek.  1:1-3:27. 

142.  The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Captivity  of  Judah. 

Ezek.  4:1-24:27. 

143.  Judgments  on  the  Nations. 

Ezek.  25:1-32:32. 

144.  Visions  of  Restoration  of  Land,  People,  and  True  Worship. 

Ezek.  34:1-48:35. 

145.  The  Story  of  Daniel  and  His  Friends. 

Dan.  1:1-6:28. 


xxiv  ANALYTICAL  OUTLINE 


Section 

146.  The  Visions  of  Daniel. 

Dan.  7:1-12:13. 

147.  Some  Psalms  Reflecting  Experiences  of  the  Exile. 

Psalms  44,  74,  79,  80,  102,  137. 

Chapter  XXIII.     The  First  Return  and  the  Building  of  the  Temple 

148.  The  Edict  and  the  Aid  of  Cyrus. 

Ezra  1:1-11;   2  Chron.  36:22,  23. 

149.  The  Returning  Clans. 

Ezra  2:1-70. 

1 50.  The  Building  of  the  Temple  Undertaken  and  Delayed. 

Ezra  3:1-5:1. 

151.  The  Message  of  Haggai. 

Haggai  1:1-2:23. 

152.  The  Message  of  Zechariah. 

Zech.  1:1-14:21. 

153.  The  Temple  Completed. 

Ezra  5:2-6:22. 

Chapter  XXIV.     Queen  Esther  and  the  Feast  of  Purim 

154.  Esther  Made  Queen. 

Esther  1:1-2:23. 

155.  Hainan's  Promotion  and  Plot. 

Esther  3:1-15. 

156.  The  Deliverance  of  the  Jews. 

Esther  4:1-9:16. 

157.  The  Feast  of  Purim. 

Esther  9:17-10:3. 

Chapter  XXV.    The  Second  Return  under  Ezra 

158.  The  Decree  of  Artaxerxes  and  the  Journey  to  Jerusalem. 

Ezra  7:1-8:31. 

159.  The  Grief  and  the  Prayer  of  Ezra. 

Ezra  8:32-9:15. 


ANALYTICAL  OUTLINE 


Section 

i 60.     The  Reforms  of  Ezra. 

Ezra  10:1-44. 

Chapter  XXVI.     The  Third  Return  under  Nehemiah 

161.  The  Occasion  and  Circumstances  of  Nehemiah's  Journey  to 

Jerusalem. 
Nch.  1:1-2:8. 

162.  The  Building  of  the  City  Wall  in  Spite  of  Opposition. 

Neh.  2:9-6:19. 

163.  Reforms  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah. 

Neh.  7:1-8:18. 

164.  A  Praiseful  Prayer. 

Neh.  9:1-38. 

165.  The  Covenant  and  its  Approvers. 

Neh.  10:1-12:26. 

166.  The  Dedication  of  the  Walls. 

Neh.   12:27-13:3. 

167.  Correction  of  Abuses  by  Nehemiah. 

Neh.   13:4-31. 

168.  The  Message  of  Malachi. 

Mai.  1:1-4:6. 

169.  Some  Psalms  of  the  Restoration  Period. 

Psalms  85,  97,  105,  106,  118,  119,  126,  135,  136,  146-150- 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


ist  Day:    Preliminary  Survey 
"Biography  is  the  only  true  history." — Carlyle. 

i.  The  embodiment  of  ideal  character  is  in  Jesus  Christ.  As 
these  are  to  be  Studies  in  character,  for  the  purpose  of  character- 
building,  let  the  Perfect  Model  be  kept  constantly  before  the  mind. 
This  is  the  more  necessary  because,  since  we  are  to  study  the  rec- 
ords of  human  lives,  we  shall  often  discover  imperfections.  As  an 
old  painter  kept  before  him  perfect  gems  of  different  colors  that  by 
frequent  glances  he  might  keep  his  eye  perfectly  toned  while  he 
wrought,  so  should  the  student  view  every  life  which  he  examines 
in  the  light  of  Him  who  always  did  those  things  which  pleased  the 
Father. 

2.  The  necessity  of  right  living  on  the  part  of  the  student  in 
order  to  be  able  to  discern  character  cannot  be  overlooked.  Ponder 
well  the  meaning  of  the  words  of  Jesus :  "If  thine  eye  be  single  thy 
whole  body  shall  be  full  of  light." 

3.  The  student  should  reflect  as  he  proceeds,  upon  the  faithful- 
ness with  which  the  record  relates  the  evil  that  men  did  as  well  as 
the  good.  The  reliability  of  the  record  should  be  judged  in  the 
light  of  this.  You  have  been  taught,  probably,  that  the  Bible  is 
true  because  it  is  of  divine  origin.  If  it  is  truly  of  divine  origin  it 
is  true  to  human  nature.  God  cannot  deny  Himself,  and  He  has 
made  man.  As  you  study  the  records  ask  yourself:  Is  this  true  to 
what  I  know  of  man?  Would  one  under  such  circumstances  so 
act?    Apply  the  psychological  test  to  this  Old  Testament  material. 

4.  Read  the  first  Psalm  for  a  description  of  ideal  character.  Get 
the  two  contrasted  scenes  there  described,  vividly  before  the  mind. 
A  striking  parallel  to  the  first  Psalm  is  found  in  Jeremiah  17*5-8- 
Read  the  verses  and  note  what  takes  the  place  here  of  the  chaff  in 
the  picture.     See  margin  of  v.  6. 

Personal  Thought:  Which  more  nearly  describes  me,  the 
fruit-bearing  tree  or  the  wind-driven  chaff?  The  fruit-bearing  tree 
or  the  tamarisk  in  the  desert? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


2d  Day:    Preliminary  Survey 

"Whoever  reads  these  writings  wherein  he  is  equally  convinced,  let 
him  go  on  with  me ;  wherein  he  equally  hesitates,  let  him  investi- 
gate with  me;  wherein  he  finds  himself  in  error,  let  him  return  to 
me ;  wherein  he  finds  me  in  error,  let  him  call  me  back  to  him.  So 
let  us  go  on  together  in  the  way  of  charity,  pressing  on  toward  Him 
of  Whom  it  is  said,  Seek  ye  His  face  evermore." — Augustine. 

1.  Today  get  before  the  mind  a  general  view  of  the  scope  of  these 
Studies  and  the  method  to  be  pursued.  First  read  the  "General 
Suggestions"  on  page  ix.  slowly  and  thoughtfully. 

Glance  over  the  Titles  of  the  Studies,  page  viii. 

2.  Commit  to  memory  the  four  Principal  Divisions  of  the  Old 
Testament  History  of  Abraham  and  his  Posterity,  given  on  page  xi. 

Glance  rapidly  through  the  Analytical  Outline  as  given  on  pages 
xiii  to  xxv. 

Briefly  examine  Diagrams  I,  II,  and  III,  in  the  Appendix. 

3.  Recall  the  picture  of  ideal  character  given  in  the  first  Psalm. 
Recall  the  contrast  used  in  Jeremiah  17:5-8  referred  to  yesterday. 
Read  the  fifteenth  Psalm,  which  by  one  has  been  appropriately  called 
"The  Gentleman's  Psalm." 

Personal  Thought:  "Speaketh  the  truth  in  his  heart"  (Psa. 
15  :2).  Meditate  on  this.  Note  the  order  and  the  connection  in  the 
verse  of  "Walketh,"  "worketh"  and  "speaketh." 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :     ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


3d   Day:     Preliminary   Survey 

"Let  the  whole  soul  be  fed  by  the  study  of  the  whole  Bible,  that 
so  there  may  be  no  irregularity  or  inequality  in  the  growth  of  its 
parts  and  powers." — H.  Bonar. 

1.  Read  the  first  verse  and  the  last  verse  of  Genesis. 

2.  The  account  of  the  creation  of  all  things  is  confined  to  one 
verse ;  the  account  of  the  preparation  of  the  earth  for  man  is  lim- 
ited to  one  chapter;  the  account  of  God's  dealing  with  the  fallen 
race  as  a  whole  under  Adam  and  a  second  time  under  Noah,  ends 
with  the  eleventh  chapter;  and  the  record  of  God's  dealing  with 
a  single  individual  (Abraham)  and  his  descendants  occupies  the 
remainder  of  the  Old  Testament. 

In  both  the  instances  of  God's  dealing  with  the  race  as  a  whole 
(«.  e.,  from  Adam  until  Noah  and  from  Noah  until  Abraham),  man 
failed  to  respond  to  God's  efforts  to  reclaim  him  from  sin.  Consider 
the  change  of  policy  (but  not  of  purpose)  on  God's  part  in  dealing 
with  man  when  and  after  He  called  Abraham.  Glance  at  Diagrams 
II,  and  III,  in  the  Appendix. 

Glance  at  Diagram  IV  in  the  Appendix.  Read  all  the  statements 
connected  therewith. 

3.  Examine  Diagram  V  in  the  Appendix,  in  the  following  order: 
(1)  Read  over  the  chapter  titles  found  in  the  spaces  1-50;  (2)  Note 
the  general  division  of  the  material  by  the  heavy  line  between  11 
and  12  and  drop  the  eye  down  to  the  outline  under  B;  (3)  Rapidly 
turn  through  the  book  following  the  suggestions  under  D  about  the 
arrangement  of  the  material.  Note  especially  the  narrowing  down 
process ;  (4)  Glance  over  E-I,  but  do  not  look  up  references. 

Personal  Thought:  "I  am  the  God  of  Abraham  and  of  Isaac 
and  of  Jacob."  From  what  you  know  of  Genesis,  think  what  kind 
of  a  God  is  there  revealed.    What  is  He  to  me? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


4th  Day:    §  i.    The   Migration   of   the    Terachites    (Gen.    ii: 
27-32) 

§  2.    The  History  of  Abraham   (Gen.  12:1 — 25:11) 
"He  knoweth  the  way  that  I  take" — 

"That  thy  way  may  be  known  upon  earth, 
Thy  saving  health  among  all  nations." 

1.  Read  Gen.  11:27-32.  For  a  statement  of  the  religion  of 
Abraham's  ancestors,  read  Joshua  24 .2  [cf.  Deane's  Abraham  : 
His  Life  and  Times,  Chapter  1,  in  Men  of  the  Bible  Series.*] 

With  v.  31  compare  Acts  7:2-4. 

Read  Hebrews  11 :8.  How  harmonize  this  with  the  words  "to  go 
into  the  land  of  Canaan"  in  Gen.  11:31.  If  you  do  not  at  once 
think  of  an  explanation,  proceed  to  the  next  suggestion. 

2.  Read  Gen.  12:1-3.  Is  there  any  indication  here  that  the 
writer  of  the  account  introduced  into  Gen.  11:31  his  own  knowl- 
edge of  the  destination  of  Abraham,  and  that  Abraham  really  did 
not  know  where  he  was  going  when  he  left  home? 

Dwell  upon  the  greatness  of  the  promise  which  was  given  to 
Abraham  when  he  was  called  to  make  a  great  sacrifice.  Does  God 
always  give  more  than  He  takes  if  we  will  receive? 

3.  What  indications  does  Gen.  12:1-3  give  that  God  was  choos- 
ing Abraham  with  a  world-wide  and  beneficent  purpose  in  view? 
Are  we  to  think  of  the  Jewish  Nation  as  chosen  to  favoritism  or  to 
service?  Glance  at  Diagram  II.  Note  the  relation  of,  and  dwell 
for  a  moment  upon  the  words,  "Be  thou  a  blessing."  How  fully 
have  the  words  of  vv.  2  and  3  been  already  verified? 

Personal  Thought:  "There  is  no  man  that  hath  left  house,  or 
wife,  or  brethren,  or  parents,  or  children,  for  the  Kingdom  of  God's 
sake,  who  shall  not  receive  manifold  more  in  this  time  and  in  the 
world  to  come  eternal  life"  (Luke  18:29,  30).    Do  I  believe  this? 


*The  student  is  not  expected  during  the  time  of  daily  study  to  look  up 
references  to  historical  sidelights,  nor  is  it  necessary  that  he  do  so  at  all.  It 
is  recommended,  however,  that  later  the  portions  be  read. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


5th  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham  (Gen.  12:1—25:11) 

"  'To  know  the  Lord.'  That  is  a  bold  aim  for  my  finite  soul,  and 
yet  it  will  be  satisfied  with  nothing  less.  It  is  not  by  searching  thou 
canst  find  out  God — it  is  by  following  Him." — Matheson. 

1.  Read  Gen.  12 :4-<p.  Three  times  in  Scripture  Abraham  is 
called  the  friend  of  God.  Decide  for  yourself  to  what  extent  this 
section  furnishes  an  explanation  and  justification  of  this  unique 
title.  Now  read  the  passages  and  note  what  light  they  throw  upon 
the  question.  They  are:  (1)  2  Chronicles  20:7;  (2)  Isaiah  41:8; 
(3)  James  2:23. 

2.  What  test  of  friendship  to  himself  did  our  Lord  name  as 
recorded  in  John  15  :i4?  Does  this  fit  the  case  of  Abraham?  What 
evidence  does  this  section  give  that  God  reciprocated  Abraham's 
friendship?  Which  of  the  two  took  the  initiative?  What  did  each 
do  to  prove  friendship  for  the  other? 

3.  Note  that  God  is  represented  as  having  already  spoken  to 
Abraham  on  three  different  occasions:  (1)  Before  he  left  Ur  (see 
Fourth  Day);  (2)  While  he  was  at  Haran  (Chap.  12:1-4);  and 
(3)  After  he  reached  Canaan  (Chap.  12:7).  Is  any  progression  in 
revelation  observable  ? 

Personal  Thought:  Do  I  merit  the  title,  Friend  of  God?  If 
not,  have  I  any  right  to  count  upon  God  as  my  friend?  If  I  know 
whom  I  follow,  does  it  matter  if  I  do  not  know  whither  I  am 
going? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


6th  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham  (Gen.  12:1—25:11) 

"The  heights  by  great  men  reached  and  kept, 
Were  not  attained  by  sudden  flight." 

1.  How  was  finding  "the  Canaanite  in  the  land"  (Gen.  12:6),  fol- 
lowed by  a  sore  famine  (Gen.  12:10),  calculated  to  act  upon  Abra- 
ham's faith  in  God's  word?  Put  yourself  in  Abraham's  place,  with 
all  his  substance  and  household,  and  think  how  you  would  feel. 
Notwithstanding  all  this,  do  you  think  Abraham  was  justified  in 
going  to  Egypt  (Gen.  12:10)? 

Consider  this  severe  double  test  of  Abraham  by  the  presence  of 
the  Canaanite  and  famine,  and  his  action  in  Egypt,  in  the  light  of 
what  you  know  of  his  early  training  and  the  sentiment  of  the  times 
in  which  he  lived. 

2.  What  three  commendable  traits  of  character  appear  in  Abraham 
in  his  dealing  with  Lot  (See  Gen.  13:5-13)?  Which  two  of  the 
beatitudes  are  suggested  by  Abraham's  action  here?  What  un- 
worthy traits  of  character  appear  in  Lot  in  this  transaction? 

Is  there  any  significance  in  the  words,  "After  that  Lot  had  sep- 
arated from  him"  (Gen.  13:14)?  Note,  "Lot  lifted  up  his  eyes" 
(v.  19),  after  which  God  directs  Abraham  in  the  words,  "Lift  up 
now  thine  eyes"  (v.  14).  Lot  had  his  choice  for  himself,  after 
which  Abraham  was  given  God's  choice  for  him. 

What  indication  is  here  given  that  Abraham  appreciated  God's 
message  to  him  at  this  time? 

Personal  Thought:  Am  I  making  choice  for  myself  looking 
upon  outward  appearances,  as  Lot  did,  or  am  I  like  Abraham,  allow- 
ing God  to  direct  my  life,  and  to  choose  for  me? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  i :     ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


7th  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham   (Gen.  12:1—25:11) 

"One  idea  held  by  very  earnest  people,  embodied  in  very  faithful 
and  devoted  lives,  is  the  strangeness  of  religion  to  the  life  of  man, 
as  if  some  morning  something  dropped  out  of  the  sky  that  had  no 
place  on  our  earth  before,  as  if  there  came  the  summons  to  man 
to  be  something  entirely  different  from  what  the  conditions  of  his 
nature  prophesied  and  intended  that  he  should  be.  The  other  idea 
is  that  religion  comes  by  the  revelation  of  God  from  the  heavens, 
but  comes  up  under  the  influence  of  God  out  of  the  human  life  of 
man ;  that  man  does  not  become  something  else  than  man  when 
he  becomes  the  servant  of  Jesus  Christ,  but  then  for  the  first  time 
becomes  man  in  his  true  development;  that  religion  is  not  some- 
thing fastened  on  the  outside  of  life,  but  is  the  awakening  of  the 
truth  inside  of  his  life;  that  the  kingdom  of  God  is  but  the  true 
fulfilment  of  human  life  and  society." — Phillips  Brooks. 

1.  Read  Gen.  14:1-24.  Locate  Sodom,  Mamre,  Dan  and  Damas- 
cus, in  order  to  have  a  general  idea  of  the  movements  referred  to. 
The  movement  of  the  invaders  was  from  the  northeast.  [On  the 
fourteenth  chapter  of  Genesis,  cf.  Hommel,  The  Ancient  Hebrew 
Tradition  as  illustrated  by  the  Monuments,  chap,  v.,  and 
Tomkins,  Abraham  and  His  Age,  chap,  xiii.] 

2.  Try  to  secure  a  vivid  conception  of  Abraham's  surroundings 
and  character  by  considering:  (1)  His  relation  to  his  neighbors, 
vv.  13,  24;  (2)  His  household  equipment,  v.  14;  (3)  His  readiness 
for  the  emergency,  v.  14;  (4)  His  promptness  in  action,  v.  14;  (5) 
His  method  of  attack,  v.  15 ;  (6)  His  pledge  before  meeting  the  king 
of  Sodom,  v.  22;  (7)  His  recognition  by  God  in  the  presence  and 
blessing  of  Melchizedek,  vv.  18,  19;  (8)  His  recognition  of  God  in 
giving  a  tenth,  v.  20;  (9)  His  dependence  upon  God,  v.  22;  (10) 
His  independence  of  man,  v.  23;  (11)  His  idea  of  God,  v.  22;  (12) 
His  disinterestedness  in  helping  others  in  need;  (13)  His  treatment 
of  his  associates,  v.  24. 

3.  In  the  light  of  the  persons  here  mentioned,  and  the  relation 
of  Abraham  to  them,  consider  his  influence  already  in  Canaan  as 
a  worshiper  of  the  true  God. 

Personal  Thought:  Am  I  free  from  mercenary  and  selfish  am- 
bition? What  reputation  is  it  likely  my  manner  of  dealing  with 
my  fellowmen  has  given  me? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  2:     ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


1st  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham   (Gen.  12:1 — 25:11) 

"Prayer  is  the  Breath  of  God  in  man, 
Returning  whence  it  came." 

1.  Read  thoughtfully  Gen.  15:1.  Consider  what  the  author  had 
in  mind  when  he  wrote,  "After  these  things."  Would  Abraham 
naturally  be  tempted  to  think  of  the  possible  return  of  the  kings 
from  the  North  to  avenge  his  action?  With  this  in  mind  and 
remembering  that  Abraham  refused  to  receive  even  a  thread  as 
reward  for  his  service,  read  the  verse  again  and  reflect  on  the 
suitableness  of  this  message  from  God  to  him. 

2.  Read  Gen.  15 :2-2i,  noting  the  division  of  the  material  by 
Abraham's  two  questions,  vv.  2  and  8. 

Are  we  to  think  of  Abraham  as  presumptuous  or  humble  here  in 
his  address  to  and  requests  of  God?  Does  the  second  request  (v.  8) 
indicate  unbelief?  Which  does  Abraham  here  resemble,  Zacharias 
or  Mary  of  Luke,  chap.  1  ? 

3.  Consider  whether  the  circumstances  attending  this  commun- 
ication would  tend  deeply  to  impress  Abraham's  mind.  [For  inter- 
esting sidelight  on  passing  between  the  parts,  see  Deane's  Abra- 
ham :  His  Life  and  Times,  chap,  viii,  p.  80.] 

Note  what  God  is  here  represented  (1)  as  claiming  for  Himself, 
and  (2)  as  doing  for  and  saying  to  His  friend,  and  reflect  on  the 
significance  of  the  words,  "I  am  the  God  of  Abraham." 

Personal  Thought:  Abraham  had  definite  and  impressive 
dealings  with  God.  Have  I  had  any  real  evidence  that  God  is,  and 
that  He  is  the  rewarder  of  them  that  diligently  seek  him? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  2:    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


2d  Day:     §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham    (Gen.  12:1—25:11) 

The  question,  "Is  it  pleasing  to  God?"  was  Judson's  means  of 
deciding  action. 

1.  Rea4-  Gen.  16:1-16.  Consider  whether  the  account  is  true  to 
nature  in  depicting  character  (1)  In  Hagar,  a  servile  spirit  when 
suddenly  elevated  to  favor;  (2)  in  Sarah  when  in  a  jealous  rage; 
and  (3)  in  Abraham  in  the  light  of  what  you  already  know  of  him. 

What  mitigating  circumstances  may  fairly  be  considered  in 
thinking  of  Abraham's  action?  May  the  following  be  admitted? 
(1)  The  absence  of  specific  promise  to  Sarah;  (2)  the  suggestion 
coming  from  Sarah;  (3)  the  views  of  the  times  about  marriage. 
[See  Deane's  Abraham:  His  Life  and  Times,  chap,  ix,  p.  90.] 

2.  Gen.  17:1-27  contains  the  sixth  recorded  Theophany  in  Abra- 
ham's life.  Note  the  interval  of  ten  years  after  reaching  Canaan, 
and  the  second  interval  of  thirteen  years  after  the  birth  of  Ishmael. 
Is  there  any  hint  at  reproof  in  17:1?  Was  the  character  of  God 
as  here  revealed  adapted  to  Abraham's  needs? 

3.  Glance  through  the  material,  aided  by  the  following  outline: 
(1)  the  Content  of  the  Covenant,  Chap.  17,  vv.  10,  12,  13;  (2)  the 
Continuance  of  the  Covenant,  v.  7;  (3)  the  Token  of  the  Covenant, 
v.  11;  (4)  the  Promise  in  connection  with  the  Covenant,  vv.  6,  7,  8, 

Personal  Thought:  Is  the  message:  "I  am  God  Almighty" 
(Gen.  17:1),  a  comfort  to  me?  Has  God  ever  brought  me  to  the 
place  where  the  thing  wrought  has  been  beyond  a  doubt  divine? 


io        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  2:    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


3d  Day:     §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham   (Gen.  12:1 — 25:11) 

Of  the  Bible  Prof.  Phelps  has  said :  "This  volume  has  never  yet 
numbered  among  its  religious  believers  a  fourth  part  of  the  human 
race,  yet  it  has  swayed  a  greater  amount  of  mind  than  any  other 
volume  the  world  has  ever  known.  It  has  the  singular  faculty  of 
attracting  to  itself  the  thinkers  of  the  world,  either  as  friends  or 
foes,  always  and  everywhere." 

1.  Read  Gen.  18:1-15.  Allow  the  description  due  influence  in 
bringing  this  picture  of  Oriental  life  vividly  before  you.  Note  the 
simplicity  of  Abraham's  life,  his  hospitality,  his  civility,  his  humility. 

This  passage  records  the  first  communication  by  God  to  Sarah 
concerning  Isaac.  Does  the  account  give  evidence  that  Sarah  was 
less  developed  in  faith  than  her  husband?     v.  13.     See  Heb.  11:11. 

2.  Read  Chap.  18:16-33,  and  Chap.  19:28,  29.  "The  whole  pas- 
sage is  singularly  felicitous  and  beautiful  in  conception  and  ex- 
pression." 

What  reasons  are  given  why  Abraham  should  know  of  God's 
purpose  concerning  Sodom?  vv.  17-19.  What  further  reason  does 
the  sequel  show?     Chap.  19:29. 

What  does  the  record  show  Abraham's  estimate  of  himself  to 
have  been?  What  his  estimate  of  God?  Reflect  upon  "the  God  of 
Abraham"  as  here  set  forth.  Continue  the  reflection  after  reading 
John  15:15,  16. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  secret  of  the  Lord  is  with  them  that 
fear  Him,  and  He  will  show  them  His  covenant."  Am  I  living 
such  a  life  as  to  justify  God  in  revealing  Himself  in  any  special 
manner  to  me? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS         u 
STUDY  2:    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


4th  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham   (Gen.  12:1 — 25:11) 

"Man  has  too  many  enemies  than  that  he  can  afford  to  be  his  own 
foe."— Emerson. 

1.  Read  rapidly  Gen.  20:1-18,  and  as  you  do  so,  be  careful  to 
allow  sufficiently  for  the  times  in  which  Abraham  lived. 

Note  the  prominence  of  prayer  as  an  appointed  means  to  an  end 
in  this  account,  vv.  2,  17.  There  is  no  vindication  here  by  God  of 
Abraham's    deception    of    Abimelech.      How    can    you    make    this 


2.  Read  Chap.  21  :i-8,  noting  the  brevity  and  the  delicacy  of  the 
record.     Note,  "as  the  Lord  commanded  him,"  v.  4. 

3.  Read  Chap.  21 19-21.  Consider  the  trouble  which  came  into 
Abraham's  life  on  account  of  his  violation  of  the  law  of  marriage. 

4.  Read  Chap.  21 122-34.  Consider  Abraham's  position  among 
his  neighbors  in  Canaan.  What  characteristics  of  Abraham  appear 
in  this  story?  What  may  one  learn  from  today's  chapters  of  God's 
considerateness  of  man's  weakness? 

Personal  Thought:  Is  God  with  me  in  all  that  I  do?  Do 
my  associates  and  neighbors  acknowledge  it?  Is  it  not  my  privilege 
to  have  God  not  only  with  but  in  me?  "If  a  man  love  me  he  will 
keep  my  word ;  and  my  Father  will  love  him,  and  we  will  come 
unto  him  and  make  our  abode  with  him."— John  14  :23. 


12        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  2:    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


5th  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham  (Gen.  12:1—25:11) 

Florence  Nightingale  once  gave  the  secret  of  her  success  in  the 
words:  "I  have  never  refused  God  anything." 

1.  Read  Gen.  22:1,  2.  Dwell  upon  what  may  be  legitimately 
included  in  the  expression,  "After  these  things"  (v.  1).  Trace  here 
very  rapidly  Abraham's  development  by  trial,  noting  the  following: 
(1)  the  command  to  leave  home;  (2)  the  character  of  the  land  to 
which  he  went;  (3)  the  character  of  the  inhabitants  of  that  land; 
(4)  the  famine;  (5)  the  delay  in  the  birth  of  the  heir. 

2.  Consider  plausible  objections  to  obedience  to  this  command. 
Would  a  shock  to  Abraham's  moral  sense  be  one  of  these?  [Cf. 
Deane's  Abraham  :  His  Life  and  Times,  chap.  XII,  pp.  138,  139.] 
How  were  all  objections  put  aside?  Read  Hebrews  11  :i7-i9.  Note 
with  special  care  v.  17. 

With  the  words,  "Accounting  God  able  to  raise  up,  even  from 
the  dead"  in  mind,  continue  to  read  Gen.  22 :3-i9,  and  decide 
whether  the  record  here  given  justifies  the  conclusion  that  Abraham 
expected  to  kill  his  son  and  to  see  him  restored  to  life.  Is  not  the 
new  name,  "Jehovah-jireh"  (v.  14),  a  revelation  of  the  God  of 
Providence? 

3.  Read  John  8  :$6.  Did  our  Lord  here  refer  to  a  single  experi- 
ence of  Abraham,  or  to  the  whole  of  his  growing  appreciation  of 
the  fulness  of  the  promises. 

Is  there  anything  in  this  communication  to  indicate  that  this  was 
the  climax  of  God's  testing  of  Abraham,  and  of  God's  revelation 
to  him? 

Personal    Thought:     "Because    thou    hast    not    withheld 

because   thou   hast    obeyed   my   voice."   How   does   my   life    stand 
that  test? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        13 
STUDY  2:    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 


6th  Day:    §  2.    The  History  of  Abraham   (Gen.   12:1—25:11) 

"Our  Bible  is  a  book  of  lives.  It  is  a  book  of  men  praying,  rather 
than  a  book  of  prayer;  of  men  believing,  rather  than  a  book  of 
beliefs;  of  men  sinning  and  repenting  and  righting  themselves, 
rather  than  a  book  of  ethics." 

1.  Glance  at  verses  20-24  of  Gen.  22,  noting  reference  to  report 
to  Abraham,  and  mention  of  Rebekah. 

2.  Read  Chap.  23:1-20,  for  the  picture  of  Oriental  life  which  it 
gives,  and  for  the  impression  which  the  personality  of  Abraham 
seems  to  have  made  upon  his  neighbors. 

Reflect  upon  the  confession  and  request  of  v.  4.  Where  made? 
After  what?     Read  Heb.  11:9,  10,  13-16. 

*3.  What  evidence  of  faith  and  far-sightedness  in  Abraham  does 
his  pains  to  secure  a  proper  wife  for  Isaac  furnish?  Read  Gen. 
25:1-10,  and  think  of  the  faith  and  far-sightedness  of  Abraham 
there  manifested. 

Personal  Thought:  While  this  narrative  of  Abraham's  life 
represents  him  as  allowing  what  I  condemn,  how  many  things  are 
condemned  in  me  by  what  Abraham  did  not  allow?  Moreover,  what 
of  the  difference  in  time  and  opportunity  which  is  to  enter  into  the 
judgment? 


*No.   3  may  be  omitted  if  you  are  pressed  for  time.     Try  if  possible  though 
to  read  over  that  beautiful  24th  chapter. 


14        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  2:    ABRAHAM,  THE  FRIEND  OF  GOD 

7th  Day:     General  Review 

"Only  that  good  profits  which  we  can  taste  with  all  doors  open, 
and  which  serves  all  men." 

1.  Refer  to  Diagram  VI.  With  the  aid  of  it  think  rapidly 
through  foregoing  studies,  and  note  the  prominence  given  to  the 
country  and  the  heir,  and  the  blessing  which  is  through  them  to 
come  on  all  nations.  Think  for  a  moment  of  Abraham's  relation 
to  modern  missions. 

2.  Refer  to  Diagram  VII  for  a  review  of  the  progress  of  the 
revelation  of  God  to  Abraham.  Consider  whether  growth  in  Abra- 
ham commensurate  with  his  privileges,  is  discernible. 

3.  Two  characteristics  of  "the  God  of  Abraham"  are:  (1)  He 
is  the  hearer  of  prayer;  (2)  He  is  a  God  of  large  and  beneficent 
plans ;  try  to  add  four  more  characteristics  to  the  list. 

4.  Glance  over  the  fourth  chapter  of  the  epistle  to  the  Romans, 
noting  especially  vv.  20,  21.  Read  what  is  said  of  Abraham  in 
Hebrews  II. 

Personal  Thought:  To  me  the  message  has  come:  "I  am  the 
God  of  Abraham."  What  meaning  does  it  convey?  Is  God  as 
much  to  me  as  He  was  to  Abraham?  Is  He  not  ready  to  be  more? 
Am  I  as  much  to  God  as  Abraham  was?  What  is  the  meaning  of: 
"The  God  and  Father  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ"  ? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS         15 

STUDY   3:     THE   SONS    OF   ABRAHAM   TO    THE    THIRD 
GENERATION 


1st  Day:    §  3.    Names  and  Dwellings  of  the  Sons  of  Ishmael 
(Gen.  25  :i2-i8) 

§  4.    The  Birth  and  Early  History  of  Isaac's  Sons 
(Gen.  25:19-34) 

"There  are  but  three  steps  from  earth  to  heaven,  or  if  you  will, 
from  earth  to  hell — acts,  habits,  character." — Butler. 

1.  Read  Gen.  25:11,  and  glance  at  verses  12-18.  Now  read  Gen. 
17:18-21. 

2.  Read  Gen.  25:19-28.  Note:  (1)  References  to  Isaac's  age 
(vv.  20,  26).  Do  these  suggest  a  time  of  waiting  and  faith  on  the 
part  of  Isaac  and  Rebekah?  (2)  The  prominence  assigned  to 
prayer.  (3)  The  reason  given  why  Isaac  loved  Esau.  (4)  No 
reason  is  specified  why  Rebekah  loved  Jacob,  but  is  not  one  to  be 
found  in  the  passage?  (5)  The  directness,  vividness  and  scope  of 
the  account. 

3.  Read  Gen.  25  :29~34.  Is  it  likely  that  Jacob's  mother  had  told 
him  about  the  prophecy  that  the  elder  should  serve  the  younger? 
Is  this  the  reason  which  you  assigned  under  2  (4)  above  for 
Rebekah's  love  of  Jacob?  Would  this  account  for  Jacob's  request 
of  Esau? 

4.  In  what  did  this  birthright  consist?  For  answer  read  Gen. 
12:2,  3,  and  Gen.  27:28,  29.  Read  also  Numbers  24:17-19.  This 
blessing  of  the  firstborn  consists  of  four  parts.  It  promises  the  one 
whom  it  concerns:  (1)  the  promise  of  the  land  of  Canaan  under 
the  divine  benediction;  (2)  the  subjection  of  the  nations;  (3)  the 
primacy  over  his  brothers;  (4)  so  high  a  position  in  redemptive 
history  that  blessings  and  curses  are  conditioned  by  the  attitude 
which  men  take  to  them  who  have  received  the  blessing.  (Del- 
itzsch:  Messianic  Prophecies,  pp.  47,  48.) 

Personal  Thought:  What  is  my  birthright  as  regards  (1) 
Country,  (2)  Family,  (3)  Religion,  (4)  Education?  Do  I  suffi- 
ciently prize  it?  Am  I  in  danger  of  bartering  it  away?  Should  I 
not  heed  the  solemn  injunction:  "Follow  after  peace  with  all  men, 
and  the  sanctification  without  which  no  man  shall  see  the  Lord: 
looking  carefully  lest  there  be  any  man  that  falleth  short  «af  the 
grace  of  God — as  Esau."     (Hebrews  12:14,  15.) 


16        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  3:    THE   SONS   OF  ABRAHAM   TO   THE   THIRD 
GENERATION 


2d  Day:    §  4.    The  Birth  and  Early  History  of  Isaac's  Sons 
(Gen.  25:19-34) 

§  5.    The  Subsequent  Career  of  Isaac  (Gen.  26:1-35) 

"The  quickest  way  to  outgrow  rule  is  to  make  faithful  use  of 
rule." 

1.  Note  the  reason  given  by  Esau  in  Chap.  25  :32,  why  he  should 
part  with  his  birthright.  Read  Gen.  26:34,  35-  How  does  this  act 
of  Esau's  strengthen  the  conviction  that  he  was  unfit  to  be  the 
transmitter  of  the  promises? 

2.  Now  read  Heb.  12:16.  Note  that  Esau  is  called,  not  a  fool- 
ish, but  a  profane  person.  Read  Rom.  9:10-13;  also  Mai.  1:2,  3. 
Does  not  this  account  given  in  Genesis  show  that  the  selection  of 
Jacob  and  the  rejection  of  Esau  was  not  irrespective  of  moral  char- 
acter? Read  again  Heb.  12:16.  Was  Esau  rejected  before  he  first 
rejected? 

3.  It  is  important  to  observe  that  while  Esau  was  rejected 
because  he  first  rejected,  Jacob's  selection  was  not  due  to  his  worth- 
iness. It  was  of  God,  who  sheweth  mercy  that  His  purpose  of 
grace  might  stand.  "In  tracing  out  Jacob's  real  character  from 
stage  to  stage  of  his  extraordinary  history,  one  gets  a  wondrous 
view  of  divine  grace.  None  but  God  could  have  borne  with  such 
an  one,  as  none  but  God  would  have  taken  up  such  an  one.  Grace 
begins  at  the  very  lowest  point.  It  takes  up  man  as  he  is,  and  deals 
with  him  in  the  full  intelligence  of  what  he  is.  It  is  of  the  very 
last  importance  to  understand  this  feature  of  grace  at  one's  first 
starting;  it  enables  us  to  bear  with  steadiness  of  heart  the  after 
discoveries  of  personal  vileness  which  so  frequently  shake  the  con- 
fidence and  disturb  the  peace  of  the  children  of  God." 

Personal  Thought:  Do  I  (like  Esau)  look  at  the  things  which 
are  seen  and  temporal,  or  do  I  regard  the  things  which  are  unseen 
and  eternal? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        17 

STUDY   3:    THE   SONS    OF   ABRAHAM   TO   THE   THIRD 
GENERATION 


3d  Day:    §  6.    The  Blessing  of  Jacob  by  Isaac  (Gen.  27:1-40) 

§  7.    The  Fortunes  of  Jacob  (Gen.  27:41 — 35:24) 
"Hell  is  the  truth  seen  too  late." 

1.  Rapidly  read  Gen.  27:1-40.  Note  that  not  one  of  the  actors 
here  appears  in  a  commendable  light. 

Yet  there  are  redeeming  traits.  Think  of  any  in  each  of  the  four 
characters,  and  compare  your  results  with  the  following:  (1) 
Isaac's  recognition  of  the  Will  of  God  in  the  matter  is  shown  in 
his  ratification  of  his  action,  v.  33.  Read  here  Hebrews  11:20. 
Read  also  Gen.  28:1-5;  (2)  the  words  of  Rebekah  to  Jacob,  Chap. 
27:8,  13,  indicate  that  more  than  her  personal  preference  for  him 
animated  her  in  the  action.  Without  doubt  she  had  in  mind  the 
promise  of  primacy  to  Jacob. 

2.  Note  in  Gen.  27:41-46,  without  reading  the  entire  passage, 
the  two  different  presentations  of  the  case  made  by  Rebekah,  the 
one  to  Jacob,  the  other  to  Isaac. 

Note  in  Chap.  28:47  the  expression,  "the  blessing  of  Abraham." 
Read  Galatians  3:14,  15.  How  much  of  the  significance  of  this 
blessing  do  you  think  Isaac  and  Jacob  knew? 

3.  Do  you  gather  from  Gen.  28  :6-g  that  Esau's  motive  in  marry- 
ing a  daughter  of  Ishmael  was  to  please  his  parents?  Is  this  action 
of  his  to  be  regarded  as  a  part  of  his  seeking  the  blessing  (Heb. 
12:17)  ?  Esau  found  no  place  for  a  change  of  mind  in  his  father, 
though  he  sought  the  blessing  diligently  with  tears.  The  Greek 
plainly  gives  this  meaning  and  no  other.  So  does  the  text  of  Gen. 
27:33-38.  Did  not  Esau  entirely  lack  the  qualifications  demanded 
of  the  transmitter  of  the  blessings  of  Abraham  to  posterity?  In 
taking  a  daughter  of  Ishmael  he  was  not  doing  so  bad  a  thing  as 
he  had  done  before.  Is  it  a  common  thing  for  people  to  think  that 
they  are  as  good  as  they  ought  to  be  because  they  are  not  so  bad 
as  they  have  been? 

Personal  Thought:  "I  thank  God  that  He  has  given  me 
strength  to  avoid  all  tricks"  (Gordon  in  diary  at  Khartoum).  Do 
I  wait  on  the  Lord  to  accomplish  in  and  for  me  what  He  has  said, 
or  do  I  take  matters  into  my  own  hands?  "Commit  thy  way  unto 
the  Lord;  trust  also  in  Him,  and  He  shall  bring  it  to  pass." 


18       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY   3:    THE   SONS    OF   ABRAHAM   TO    THE   THIRD 
GENERATION 


4th  Day:    §  7.    The  Fortunes  of  Jacob    (Gen.   27:41 — 35:24) 

"No  man  is  any  account  for  the  Lord  until  he  knows  for  himself, 
without  any  guesswork,  that  he  has  been  converted." 

1.  Read  thoughtfully  Gen.  28:10-22,  noting:  (1)  the  place;  (2) 
the  time;   (3)   the  vision;   (4)  the  message;   (5)  the  vow. 

Dwell  upon  the  message  of  God  to  Jacob.  Recall  the  parting 
prayer  of  Isaac:  "God  Almighty  give  thee  the  blessing  of  Abra- 
ham" (Chap.  28:3,  4). 

2.  Re-read  Gen.  28:20-22.     (Refer  to   Chap.   14:20.)     Jacob  is 

usually  regarded  as  manifesting  his  bargaining  disposition  here. 
Judge  whether  this  was  the  case.  May  he  not  have  been  pledging 
himself  to  thankful  recognition  of  God's  favor?  Surely  this  was  no 
ordinary  vow.  "It  is  the  grand  and  solemri  expression  of  the  soul's 
full,  free  and  perpetual  acceptance  of  the  Lord  to  be  its  own  God." 

Read  John  1  '.47-51.  What  allusion  to  this  experience  of  Jacob 
is  in  the  passage?  [Some  day  read  Critical  Note  by  Westcott  on 
vv.  47,  51,  in  the  Bible  Commentary  on  The  Gospel  by  John.] 

Personal  Thought:  Have  I  ever  been  where  I  have  had  un- 
questionable evidence  of  the  presence  of  God?  Have  I  properly 
responded  to  such  an  experience  and  as  a  consequence  am  I  having 
any  fulfillment  of  the  words  of  our  Lord  to  Nathaniel :  "Thou  shalt 
see  greater  things  than  these"? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        19 

STUDY   3:    THE   SONS    OF   ABRAHAM   TO    THE   THIRD 
GENERATION 


5th  Day:    §  7.    The  Fortunes  of  Jacob  (Gen.  27:41—35:24) 

"The  measure  of  a  man's  real  character  is  what  he  would  do 
if  he  knew  it  would  never  be  found  out." 

1.  Rapidly  read  Gen.  29:1 — 31:2  for  the  story.  Recall  in  con- 
nection with  Laban's  deception  of  Jacob,  how  Jacob  had  deceived 
his   father.     Two  bargain  makers  here  have  met. 

2.  Without  reading  the  passage,  note  in  Gen.  31:3-18  the  prom- 
inence which  Jacob  gives  to  God  as  his  helper. 

3.  Note  the  real  meaning  of  Gen.  31 149,  which  is  very  different 
from  that  popularly  understood.  God  is  invoked  to  watch  between 
and  to  keep  the  two  from  harming  each  other.  Give  a  moment  to 
the  expression  in  vv.  42  and  53,  "The  Fear  of  his  father  Isaac." 

4.  Note  Chap.  32:1,  2.  Is  this  the  first  mention — revelation — of 
God  as  the  God  of  Hosts  (Zebaoth)  ?  Recall  on  what  previous 
occasions  in  Jacob's  life  the  ministry  of  angels  has  been  mentioned 
(Chaps.  28:12;  31:11).    Read  Heb.  1:13,  14,  and  Psalm  91:10,  11. 

Personal  Thought:  As  I  review  my  career,  unworthy  as 
Jacob  though  I  am,  is  there  any  evidence  that  the  guiding  hand  of 
God  has  been  in  my  life?  Do  I  believe  that  great  as  is  man's  con- 
trol over  nature,  he  cannot  hope  to  prosper  without  the  favor 
of  God? 


20        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY   3:    THE   SONS    OF   ABRAHAM   TO   THE   THIRD 
GENERATION 


6th  Day:    §  7.    The  Fortunes  of  Jacob   (Gen.  27:41—35:24) 
"Vision  is  the  art  of  seeing  the  invisible." — Swift. 

1.  The  core  of  Genesis  32:3-21  is  the  singularly  beautiful  and 
well-ordered  prayer  of  Jacob  found  in  vv.  9-12.  Read  the  entire 
passage. 

Giving  attention  to  the  prayer  (vv.  9-12),  note:  (1)  What  evi- 
dence of  humility  in  Jacob  it  presents;  (2)  In  what  words  Jacob 
acknowledges  the  goodness  of  God;  (3)  On  what  ground  he 
makes  his  plea;  (4)  How  often  he  refers  to  what  God  had  said. 

2.  Read  Chap.  32:22-32.  Observe:  (1)  Jacob  had  sought  soli- 
tude, and  was  probably  in  prayer;  (2)  "There  wrestled  a  man."  The 
initiative  was  taken  by  the  other;  (3)  The  persistence  of  Jacob, 
one  of  his  most  prominent  traits  of  character,  is  here  manifested. 
He  persists  in  resisting  until  his  thigh  is  touched,  and  then  he  per- 
sists in  clinging  until  the  blessing  is  bestowed;  (4)  The  evidence 
that  the  stranger  was  a  heavenly  visitor,  v.  30  (cf.  Hosea  12  :4)  ; 
(5)  The  changed  name  and  character  after  the  confession  and 
blessing.  This  was  the  great  spiritual  crisis  in  Jacob's  life.  In 
after  days  he  was  a  different  man.  [For  excellent  summary  of  the 
character  of  Jacob  see  Rawlinson's  Isaac  and  Jacob,  pp.  183-185.] 

Personal  Thought:  "Blessed  is  the  man  unto  whom  the  Lord 
imputeth  not  iniquity,  and  in  whose  spirit  there  is  no  guile." 
(Jacob  means  deceiver,  supplanter.)  Psalm  32:2.  Am  I  de- 
scribed by  these  words? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        21 

STUDY  3:    THE   SONS    OF   ABRAHAM   TO    THE   THIRD 
GENERATION 


7th  Day:    §  7.    The  Fortunes  of  Jacob   (Gen.   27:41—35:24) 

"Spirituality  is  the  aspiration  and  tendency  of  the  life  towards 
the  divine  in  thought  and  action  as  animated  and  controlled  by  the 
Holy  Spirit." 

1.  Read  very  rapidly  Chap.  33:1—35:29,  noting  the  journeyings 
of  Jacob  from  place  to  place,  and  observing  what  is  profitable  for 
instruction  or  reproof.  Refer  to  map  for  Succoth,  Shechem,  Beth- 
el, Hebron. 

2.  Dwell  upon  the  character  of  the  God  who  declares  Himself 
to  be  "the  God  of  Abraham,  of  Isaac,  and  of  Jacob."  What  is 
the  most  striking  characteristic  of  the  God  of  Jacob  brought  out 
in  to-day's  portion? 

Personal  Thought:  At  Bethel  God  said  to  Jacob:  "I  will  not 
leave  thee  until  I  have  done  that  which  I  have  spoken  to  thee  of." 
Do  I  find  comfort  and  encouragement  in  the  faithfulness  of  God? 


22        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  4:     THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


1st  Day:    §  8:    The  Wickedness  of  Jacob's  Sons   (Gen.  37 '-2— 
3*  130) 

"It  is  perhaps  the  highest  triumph  we  can  obtain  over  bigotry, 
when  we  are  able  to  bear  with  bigots  themselves." 

1.  Rapidly  review  the  general  outlines  of  Genesis  (Diagram  V). 
Read  over  the  headings  of  Chapters  I — V,  Part  I,  of  the  Ana- 
lytical Outline,  p.  xiii.  Compare  these  with  A  of  Diagram  V. 
Note  under  B  of  the  Diagram  the  six  names  about  which  the 
material  in  Genesis  is  grouped. 

2.  Read  Gen.  37 .2-36,  noting  especially  the  parts  taken  by 
Reuben  and  Judah,  and  recalling  the  deception  by  Jacob  of  his 
father  Isaac  with  the  skins  of  kids  upon  his  wrists  and  neck. 

3.  Consider  the  art  of  this  story  in  concealing  the  expression 
of  the  feelings  of  Joseph.  Read  Gen.  50:20.  Do  you  think  that 
Joseph  comforted  himself  during  the  early  days  with  this  con- 
sideration? 

Personal  Thought:  "And  as  for  you,  ye  meant  evil  against 
me;  but  God  meant  it  for  good  to  save  much  people  alive"  (see 
Chap.  50:20).  Do  I  look  for  the  good  purpose  of  God  even  in 
reverses  which  come  into  my  life? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS         23 

STUDY  4:     THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


2d  Day:    §  9.    The  Fortunes  of  Joseph  in  Egypt  (Gen.  39:1 — 
4i:57) 

"Every  upward  aspiration  is  God's  angel  undefiled; 

And  in  every  '0  my  Father,'  slumbers  deep  a  'Here,  my  child.' " 

1.  What  is  revealed  in  Gen.  39:1-6  to  be  the  secret  of  the 
success  of  Joseph? 

2.  Read  Gen.  39 :7-i8.  Consider  the  greatness  of  the  tempta- 
tion: (1)  It  came  in  the  person  of  his  mistress;  (2)  It  opened  the 
way  to  preferment;  (3)  It  was  perilous  to  oppose;  (4)  Opportunity 
was  favorable,  v.  11.  Consider  how  the  temptation  was  resisted: 
(1)  Reason  came  to  Joseph's  aid.  He  reckoned  that  by  doing  this 
he  would  be  wronging  his  master  and  offending  God;  (2)  He 
avoided  occasion;  (3)  He  was  prompt  and  determined  in  repelling 
the  attack. 

Dwell  for  a  moment  upon  Joseph's  estimate  of  that  to  which  he 
was  tempted :  "This  great  wickedness" — "Sin  against  God."  Con- 
sider what  an  exceptional  character  Joseph  was  in  view  of  the 
times  in  which  he  lived.  But  are  we  not  sometimes  in  danger  of 
allowing  too  much  that  character  is  produced  by  the  times?  Are 
all  good  now?  This  experience  of  Joseph  suggests  the  words: 
"Be  thou  as  pure  as  ice,  as  chaste  as  snow,  thou  shalt  not  escape 
calumny." 

3.  Find  in  Gen.  39:19 — 40:23  basis  for  the  following:  (1)  Jo- 
seph's capability  as  evinced  both  in  the  house  of  Potiphar,  and  in 
prison;  (2)  The  providential  preparation  by  trial  and  work  which 
he  received  for  his  future  public  career;  (3)  His  sympathy;  (4) 
His  ability  to  win  and  to  hold  confidence.  Think  for  an  instant  of 
what  is  essential  to  this  last. 

Personal  Thought:  Do  I  regard  sin  as  against  God?  Is  the 
presence  of  God  a  reality  to  me,  and  a  deterrent  from  sin?  Do 
I  avoid  the  occasion  of  sin,  and  am  I  prompt  and  vigorous  in 
repelling  temptation? 


24        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  4:    THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


3d  Day.    §  10.    The   Famine   in   the   Land   of   Canaan   (Gen. 
42-1—45 :28) 

"Be  sure  your  sin  will  find  you  out." 

1.  In  Gen.  42:1-38,  note  v.  9.  What  place  did  Joseph's  dreams 
likely  have  in  his  endurance  since  his  departure  from  Canaan? 
Observe  his  tender  consideration  as  indicated  in  v.  18.  Account 
for  the  apparent  harshness  with  his  brethren?  Did  he  wish  to  test 
them.  Recall  what  Reuben  did  and  said  the  day  Joseph  was  sold 
(Chap.   37:22,  29). 

2.  In  Chaps.  43:1—44:3,  judging  as  to  the  historicity  of  the 
account:  (1)  Note  especially  Chap.  43:6-8,  and  the  naturalness  of 
the  address  to  the  steward  while  waiting,  Chap.  43:19-22.  (2)  Note 
Judah's  appeal  to  his  father,  Chap.  43  :8-io.  Compare  it  with  Reu- 
ben's, Chap.  42  137,  and  note  its  dignity  and  force.  (3)  Recall  Ju- 
dah's part  in  selling  Joseph,  Chap.  37  -.26,  27.  (4)  Do  not  miss  the 
touching  tenderness  of  Jacob's  reply  to  Judah,  Chap.  43:11-14.  (5) 
Observe  the  words  of  the  steward,  v.  23.  Where  does  the  tender- 
ness of  Joseph  appear?    Where  his  self-control? 

3.  Judah's  plea  in  Chap.  44:18-34  is  a  literary  gem.  It  is  sus- 
tained, pathetic,  simple,  dramatic.  "A  more  moving  oration  than 
oratory  ever  pronounced."  The  entire  story  of  Joseph  is  a  master- 
piece of  composition.  Some  day  read  the  entire  account  aloud 
without  interruption. 

4.  In  Chap.  45:1-28,  note  the  simplicity  and  beauty  of  the  nar- 
rative, and  the  prominence  given  to  God  in  his  life  by  Joseph. 

Personal    Thought:    "We    are    verily    guilty    concerning    our 

brother Behold,  his  blood  is  required"  (Chap.  42  :2i,  22).   Thus 

spake  the  brothers  of  Joseph  years  after  they  had  sold  him.  Am 
I  free  from  the  shadow  of  unforgiven  sin?  "Blessed  is  he  whose 
transgression  is  forgiven,  whose  sin  is  covered." 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        25 

STUDY  4:     THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


4th  Day:    §  n.    The  Descent  of  Jacob  to  Egypt  (Gen.  46:1-30) 

§  12.    The   Settlement  of  Jacob  and  his  Family  in 
Egypt  (Gen.  46:31 — 47:12) 

"O  Thou  that  hearest  prayer, 
To  Thee  shall  all  flesh  come." 

1.  Read  Chap.  46:1-7.  The  heart  of  this  passage  is  the  mes- 
sage of  God  to  Jacob,  vv.  3,  4.  From  the  answer  of  God  construct 
the  prayer  of  Jacob  which  he  probably  offered.  Compare  the  result 
with  the  following:  "Shall  I  go  down  into  Egypt?  I  remember 
the  trouble  my  grandfather  had  in  that  land,  and  that  my  father 
was  prohibited  from  going  to  it.  Will  God  indeed  go  with  me  to 
Egypt,  and  shall  I  return  again  to  this  land?  Is  Joseph  my  son 
yet  really  alive?  I  am  in  great  fear  and  uncertainty.  Come  to  my 
help,  O  God  of  my  fathers."  Read  here  Chap.  15:13,  14.  Did 
Jacob  know  and  probably  think  of  this  at  Beersheba? 

2.  As  Jacob  is  on  the  borderland  journeying  toward  Egypt, 
recall  any  permanent  advantages  to  the  Israelites  of  the  proposed 
sojourn  in  Egypt.  Preserve  these  for  future  reference,  as  the 
subject  will  come  up  later. 

3.  Read  Chap.  46 :28-30,  noting  the  tender  love  of  Joseph  for 
his  father. 

4.  Read  Chaps.  46:31 — 47:12.  Give  due  recognition  to  the  fact 
that  Israel  dwelt  apart  in  Egypt.  Note  the  emphasis  of  the  tem- 
porary character  of  the  stay  of  Israel  in  Egypt  (Chap.  47:4). 
What  estimate  of  Jacob  do  you  form  from  his  interview  with 
Pharaoh  ? 

Personal  Thought:  Recall  the  frequent  definite  directions 
given  Jacob  by  God.  Have  I  given  myself  sufficiently  to  prayer 
for  guidance  in  distinct  crises  in  my  life,  or  have  I  decided  what 
to  do  in  the  light  of  advice  of  friends  and  seeming  providential 
indications  only? 


26        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  4:     THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


5th  Day:    §  13.    The    Last    Days    of    Jacob    in    Egypt    (Gen. 
47:13—49:33) 

"Enough  to  know  that  through  the  winter's  frost 
And  summer's  heat,  no  seed  of  truth  is  lost, 
And  every  duty  pays  at  last  its  cost." 

1.  In  judging  of  Joseph's  famine  policy  (Gen.  47:13-26),  con- 
sider his  character  and  career  before  and  after,  and  allow  for  our 
ignorance  of  the  times  and  circumstances.  Do  not  omit  to  note 
v.  25. 

Read  Chap.  47:28-31.  Why  was  Jacob  so  particular  about  being 
buried  in  Canaan? 

2.  In  Chap.  48:1-22,  note:  (1)  The  aged  patriarch's  testimony 
to  the  goodness  of  God,  vv.  3,  15,  16;  (2)  Get  the  scene  vividly 
before  you  of  the  old  man  with  the  power  of  physical  vision  gone, 
yet  possessing  keen  spiritual  sight.  Contrast  his  father  Isaac;  (3) 
Jacob's  reminder  of  the  return  from  Egypt,  v.  21. 

3.  In  Chap.  49:1-12,  consider:  (1)  The  sentence  on  Reuben 
and  the  reason;  (2)  The  sentence  on  Simeon  and  Levi  and  the 
reason;    (3)   The  prominence  given  to  Judah.     Read   Heb.   7:14. 

Considering  more  in  detail  the  blessing  of  Judah,  verify  the  fol- 
lowing: (1)  He  will  be  victorious.  Read  Psalm  18:40;  (2)  He 
will  be  supreme  among  his  brethren.  Read  Psalm  60:7;  (3)  He 
will  be  the  royal  tribe;  (4)  He  will  be  qualified  for  leadership. 
Read  Rev.  5:5- 

Personal  Thought:  As  I  review  my  life  from  the  present 
moment,  can  I  heartily  use  the  words  of  Jacob:  "God,  which  hath 
fed  me  all  my  life  long  unto  this  day,  the  angel  who  hath  re- 
deemed me  from  all  evil"? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        27 

STUDY  4:     THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


6th  Day:    §  13.    The    Last    Days    of    Jacob    in    Egypt     (Gen. 
47:i3—49:33) 

"The  history  of  the  nations  is  not  a  record  of  the  clash  and  con- 
flict of  forces,  but  of  the  stately  steppings  of  a  holy  God  working 
out  His  most  wise  purposes." 

1.  Read  Chap.  49:13-21,  noting  how  rapidly  these  sons  are 
passed,  and  grasping  the  central  thought  in  the  blessing  of  each. 

Dwell  for  a  moment  upon  v.  18.  It  is  apparently  out  of  connec- 
tion, yet  it  is  in  vital  relation  with  the  whole. 

2.  Read  vv.  22-27.  To  Judah  was  given  authority;  to  Joseph 
property.  How  does  Jacob  explain  Joseph's  victory?  Note  the 
words  "shepherd"  and  "stone,"  v.  24,  and  consult  the  marginal 
reading. 

3.  Read  vv.  28-33.  Observe  the  repetition  of  the  charge  about 
Canaan.  Is  the  emphasis  of  the  return  to  Canaan  by  Jacob  to  be 
accounted  for  merely  on  the  ground  of  sentiment?  Read  the  first 
clause  of  Hebrews  11:21.  In  what  did  the  fitness  of  Jacob  to 
transmit  the  promises,  as  contrasted  with  the  unfitness  of  Esau, 
chiefly  consist?  Read  Hebrews  11  :i.  "The  substance,  the 
strength  of  the  chosen  family,  the  true  inheritance  of  the  promise 
of  Abraham,  was  interwoven  with  the  very  essence  of  the  character 
of  the  'plain  man  dwelling  in  tents,'  steady,  persevering,  moving 
onward  with  settled  purpose,  through  years  of  suffering  and  of 
prosperity,  of  exile  and  return,  of  bereavement  and  recovery — the 
birthright  is  always  before  him." 

Personal  Thought:  Do  I  appreciate  the  vitality  of  a  faith 
which  so  long  ago  could  produce  such  a  death-bed  scene  as  that 
of  Jacob?  Let  me  dwell  upon  it  for  a  while  with  the  key  expres- 
sion which  looks  both  backward  and  forward  in  mind:  "I  have 
waited  for  thy  salvation,  O  Lord." 


28        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  4:     THE  SONS  OF  ABRAHAM  TO  THE  FOURTH 
GENERATION 


7th  Day:    §  14.    The  Last  of  Jacob's  Sons   (Gen.  50:1-26) 
"History    is    philosophy    teaching    by    example." 

1.  Read  Chap.  50:1-26.  (1)  Estimate  the  moral  obtuseness  of 
Joseph's  brethren  as  indicated  by  their  action  described  in  v.  15. 
They  appear  to  have  been  unable  to  appreciate  the  capacity  of  a 
forgiving  nature  such  as  Joseph  possessed.  (2)  Dwell  upon  Jo- 
seph's reply.  What  characteristics  are  here  exhibited?  (3)  Note 
Joseph's  assurance  concerning  the  future,  v.  24.  Read  Heb.  11:22; 
also  Joshua  24  '.32. 

2.  In  the  light  of  the  account  of  Joseph,  given  in  Genesis,  what 
is  your  estimate  of  the  opinion  that  he  is  one  of  the  most  faultless 
characters  of  the  Bible? 

As  you  review  the  life  of  Joseph  ask  yourself:  (1)  What  was 
his  most  prominent  trait  of  character?  (2)  What  was  his  most 
significant  utterance?  (3)  In  what  respects  did  he  further  the 
preparation  of  the  world  for  Christ?  (4)  In  what  respects  is  he 
suggestive  of  Christ  and  His  life? 

3.  Spend  a  few  minutes  in  rapidly  reviewing  Diagrams  I. — VII., 
with  especial  reference  to  securing  a  comprehensive  view  not  only 
of  the  portion  already  covered,  but  also  of  the  entire  field  of  study. 
Do  not  miss  the  stimulus  which  comes  from  frequent  bird's-eye 
views.  Recognize  fully  the  fact  that  we  are  studying  men  who 
by  God  were  equipped  and  used  each  in  a  large  way  for  the 
working  out  of  His  plan  of  redemption. 

Personal  Thought:  At  tfiis  stage  of  my  Bible  study,  with 
what  degree  of  heartiness  can  I  express  the  following  sentiments? 

"Thy  testimonies  are  wonderful : 
Therefore  doth  my  soul  keep  them." 

"Order  my  footsteps  in  Thy  word; 

And  let  not  iniquity  have  dominion  over  me." 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        29 
STUDY  5:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


1st  Day:     §  15.    The     Birth,     Training     and    Call    of     Moses 
(Ex.    1:1—77) 

"He  who  loves  goodness,  harbors  angels,  reveres  reverence,  and 
lives  with  God." 

1.  Repeat  aloud  the  four  General  Divisions  of  the  Old  Testa- 
ment History  of  Abraham  and  His  Posterity,  found  on  p.  xi. 

2.  As  rapidly  as  may  be  consistent  with  a  clear  grasp  of  the 
facts,  read  in  Exodus  1:1 — 4:17  without  interruption,  as  far  as 
your  time  will  allow,  and  at  once  after  reading  compare  your  im- 
pressions with  the  following:  (1)  The  comprehensiveness  and 
minuteness  of  the  chain  of  providences  reaching  from  Joseph  to 
Moses ;  (2)  The  mistake  of  Moses  exhibiting  essential  qualifica- 
tions for  his  later  life-work,  such  as,  sympathy  with  the  oppressed, 
readiness  to  imperil  personal  safety  in  behalf  of  others,  indignation 
at  wrong  doing,  promptness,  assertiveness ;  (3)  The  existing  dis- 
qualifications for  his  later  work  manifested  by  this  act;  (4)  The 
length  and  varied  character  of  the  discipline  of  Moses  for  his 
epoch-making  career  (cf.  Acts  7:22).  Did  any  element  likely 
enter  more  largely  into  this  than  the  training  of  his  mother?  (5) 
The  objections  brought  by  Moses  to  undertaking  his  work,  viz.: 
The  power  of  Pharaoh,  the  unbelief  of  Israel,  and  personal  unfit- 
ness, together  with  the  answers  to  these  objections  given  by  God. 

3.  Read  Hebrews  11 :23-27- 

Personal  Thought:  Is  my  faith  of  like  quality  with  that  of 
Moses  as  set  forth  in  the  passage  just  read? 


30        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  s :    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


2d  Day:    §  15.    The    Birth,    Training    and    Call    of     Moses 
(Ex.  1:1—77) 

"God,  when  He  makes  the  prophet,  does  not  unmake  the  man." 
— Locke. 

1.  Notice  the  contrast  in  4  -.22,  23,  indicated  by  the  words,  "my 
first  born,"  "thy  first  born."  (Cf.  Hosea  II  :i ;  Matt.  2:15.)  Ob- 
serve in  Chap.  6  (1)  any  remnant  of  hesitancy  to  do  what  God 
directed  which  still  clung  to  Moses,  and  (2)  the  considerateness 
of  God  for  His  servant,  Chap.  5:22 — 6:1;  Chap.  6:28 — 7:5. 

2.  Dividing  Moses'  career  into  three  periods  of  forty  years  each 
(cf.  Acts  7:23;  Ex.  7:7;  Deut.  34.7),  and  considering  the  first 
two  as  preparatory,  how  would  you  answer  the  following  ques- 
tions? (1)  In  which  period  did  Moses  likely  receive  the  chief 
part  of  his  political  training?  (2)  His  intellectual?  (3)  His 
physical?  (4)  His  social?  (5)  His  moral  and  religious?  (6)  In 
what  part  of  his  life  did  he  have  the  best  opportunity  of  being 
"God  Almighty's  Scholar"?  (7)  Did  his  training  cease  at  the  end 
of  the  second  period  of  his  life? 

3.  Read  Ex.  5  \2\  6:3,  6;  and  7:5,  and  reflect  for  a  moment  upon 
the  contact  of  Israel  with  Egypt,  and  resulting  judgments  and 
deliverances  as  a  stage  in  the  revelation  to  mankind  of  God's  char- 
acter and  modes  of  dealing  with  men  and  nations.  Do  you  think 
the  expression,  "by  my  name  Jehovah  was  I  not  known"  (Ex.  6:3), 
refers  to  the  name  itself,  or  to  its  significance  as  the  performer  of 


Personal  Thought:  Is  God  known  to  me  as  the  personifica- 
tion of  power  merely,  or  do  I  know  Him  as  the  One  who  has 
proved  Himself  true  to  His  word? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        31 
STUDY  5 :    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


3d  Day:    §  16.    The    Plagues    and    the    Passover    (Ex.    7:8 — 
12:36) 

"All  men  are  commanded  by  the  saint." 

1.  In  Ex.  7:8 — 12:36  is  the  story  of  the  plagues.  They  occurred 
in  the  following  order:  Water  into  blood,  Frogs,  Lice,  Flies,  Mur- 
rain, Boils,  Hail,  Locusts,  Darkness,  Death  of  first-born.  For 
evidence  of  climacteric  order,  note:  (1)  the  nature  of  the  visita- 
tions; (2)  The  references  to  the  magicians,  7:11,  12,  22;  8:7,  18, 
19;  9:11;  (3)  The  effect  upon  the  Egyptians,  9:20,  21;  10:7; 
11:3,  8;  12:33;  (4)  The  effect  upon  Pharaoh,  7:13,  22,  23;  8:8, 
15,  19,  25,  28,  32 ;  9  -7,  12,  27,  30,  34,  35 ;  10  :8,  II,  16,  20,  24-29;  11  :i ; 
12  :30-32. 

2.  In  regard  to  the  hardening  of  Pharaoh's  heart,  note:  (1) 
That  Pharaoh  is  represented  as  acting  freely  (Chap.  7:11,  13,  and 
passages  in  each  succeeding  paragraph)  ;  (2)  That  God  is  repre- 
sented as  repeatedly  warning  Pharaoh  against  the  result  of  per- 
sistent disobedience.  Chap.  9:14-17  indicates  that  God  endured 
with  much  longsuffering  the  conduct  of  Pharaoh  for  purposes  of 
self-revelation.  Jehovah  did  harden  Pharaoh's  heart,  but  He  did 
it  by  showing  him  mercy. 

3.  Consider  the  probable  effect  of  this  series  of  signs  upon  (1) 
The  children  of  Israel;   (2)  Upon  Moses.     Read  Psalm  103:6-9. 

Personal  Thought:  Is  my  repentance  of  sin,  like  Pharaoh's, 
actuated  by  servile  fear,  and  therefore  superficial  and  transient, 
resulting  in  a  hardening  of  heart;  or  does  it  originate  in  an  appre- 
hension of  the  mercy  of  God  in  Christ,  and  is  it  consequently  per- 
manent and  regenerative? 


32       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  5:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


4th  Day:    §  16.    The    Plagues   and   the    Passover    (Ex.    7:&— 
12 .36) 

"From  the  first  Israel  had  within  her  a  spirit,  and  before  her  an 
ideal." 

1.  Read  Ex.  11  :i — 12:36.  Consider  the  memorial  nature  of 
this  feast  of  the  passover  (which  to  this  day  is  observed  by  the 
Jews)   and  read  again  Chap.  12  '.24-27. 

2.  Note  the  following  and  decide  whether  there  was  in  this 
feast  a  symbolic  and  prophetic  element:  (1)  The  lamb  was  to  be 
without  blemish;  (2)  The  blood  protected  those  who  used  it  as 
directed.  It  availed  by  its  effect  on  God  rather  than  on  the  people; 
(3)  The  flesh  of  the  sacrifice  nourished  the  people;  (4)  Read 
John  1:29;  19:33,  36;  1  Cor.  57;  1  Peter  1:18,  19;  Rev.  5:6,  12; 
(5)  Read  John  6 :47-64  and  consider  whether  a  reference  to  the 
passover  is  involved;  (6)  Does  a  fair  induction  of  the  passages 
justify  the  following  statement?  "It  is  only  as  Christ  is  appre- 
hended as  the  sacrifice  for  sins,  that  he  becomes  food  for  the  soul." 
Read  Heb.  11:28. 

This  study  has  been  about  the  first  passover  night.  If  you  have 
time,  reflect  upon  the  events  of  the  last  passover  night  as  recorded 
in  Luke  22,  and  John  13. 

Personal  Thought:  "This  month  shall  be  to  you  the  begin- 
ning of  months."  Has  my  life  seen  deliverance  from  the  bondage 
of  sin  which  obedience  to  God  in  the  matter  of  His  provision  for 
me  in  Jesus  Christ  insures? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        33 
STUDY  5 :    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


5th  Day:    §  17.    The     Exodus     and    the     Journey     to     Sinai 
(Ex.   12:37—19:2) 

"History  was  born  on  the  night  when  the  children  of  Israel 
went  out  of  Egypt." — Bunsen. 

1.  Read  Ex.  12:37 — 14:31,  and  note  Chap.  13:17  and  14:4  for 
reasons  why  the  Israelites  were  turned  from  the  direct  route  to 
Canaan.     (Cf.  Deut.  8:2;  32:10,  11;   Psalm  107:7.) 

2.  Note  Chap.  13:8-10  for  emphasis  of  duty  to  future  gen- 
erations. 

3.  Think  of  any  benefits  accruing  to  Israel  as  a  nation  from 
their  sojourn  in  Egypt.  Would  the  following  be  included?  (1) 
Possession  of  the  arts  and  sciences  of  the  times ;  (2)  Training  in 
endurance  and  hardship;  (3)  Increase  of  numbers  without  inter- 
mixture with  foreigners.     Is  the  most  important  benefit  here  noted? 

Personal  Thought:  "He  that  being  oft  reproved,  hardeneth 
his  neck,  shall  suddenly  be  destroyed,  and  that  without  remedy." 
(Prov.  29:1.)  Is  there  any  sin  in  my  life  which  I  have  been 
indulging,  in  spite  of  frequent  warnings? 


34        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  5 :    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


6th  Day:    §  17.    The     Exodus     and     the    Journey     to     Sinai 
(Ex.   12:37—19:2) 

1.  Referring  to  the  Outline  of  Exodus  (Diagram  VIII,  see  the 
Appendix),  note:  (1)  The  Mount  Sinai  chapter  is  the  19th,  and 
is  therefore  very  near  the  middle  of  the  book;  (2)  Glance  over 
the  titles  of  chapters  as  given  in  the  chapter  spaces,  and  observe 
the  following  couplets:  The  Bulrushes  and  the  Bush,  the  Sea 
and  the  Song,  the  Bread  and  the  Water,  the  Mount  and  the  Law, 
the  Vision  and  the  Veil.  Look  away  from  the  Diagram  and  try 
to  give  the  numbers  and  the  names  of  these  couplets,  locating  them 
in  imagination  in  their  proper  places;  (3)  Read  what  is  below  the 
chapter  numbers  in  the  Diagram. 

2.  Read  Ex.  15:22 — 19:2,  noting  from  the  Diagram  the  relation 
of  this  portion  to  the  whole  of  the  book  of  Exodus. 

With  Exodus  15:22 — 19:2  as  a  basis  note:  (1)  The  recognition 
of  Israel's  need  to  know  God  more  fully  (16:12;  18-11)  ;  (2)  the 
qualifications  of  men  fit  to  rule  (18:21);  (3)  the  large  influence 
of  Jethro  upon  the  organization  of  Israel  (ch.  18).  At  least  glance 
over  the  headings  in  your  Bible  of  Ex.  15:22 — 19:2.  Note  that 
chap.  16  tells  about  bread  and  chap.  17  about  water. 

3.  Read  John  6:26-40  about  the  true  bread  from  heaven,  and  in 
connection  with  the  supply  of  water  from  the  rock,  read  1  Cor. 
10:4. 

Prayer  on  the  part  of  Moses  is  mentioned  in  15:25  and  in  17:4- 
Did  you,  in  reading  about  the  plagues,  notice  the  frequent  ref- 
erences to  Moses  as  a  man  of  prayer?  See  the  following  pasj 
sages:    Ex.  8:8,  9,  28,  29;  9:28,  29;  10:17;  14:15. 

Personal  Thought:     "The  people  strove  with  Moses,  and 

Moses  cried  unto  the  Lord."     Am  I  accustomed  to  go  to  God  in 
time  of  trouble? 


STUDIES   IN    OLD    TESTAMENT    CHARACTERS      35 
STUDY   5:    MOSES,   THE   MAN    OF   GOD 


7th  Day:     §  18.     Legislation  at  Sinai  (Ex.  19:3—40:38) 

"No  revelation  that  God  has  made  of  Himself  has  ever  been  so 
terrible  in  its  material  accompaniments  as  that  at  Sinai,  and  no  oc- 
casion can  ever  be  conceived  of  as  more  needing  the  employment  of 
solemn,  startling  and  impressive  circumstances.  Here  was  a  people 
gross  of  heart,  delighting  in  fleshpots,  debased  by  slavery,  careless 
of  freedom,  immoral,  inclined  to  idolatry,  which  had  to  be  elevated 
into  God's  living  witness  among  the  nations,  the  depositary  of  His 
truth,  the  teacher  of  the  rest  of  mankind  for  ages.  Given  the  ob- 
ject of  impressing  such  a  nation  permanently  with  the  convictions 
that  it  had  received  a  divine  revelation,  and  that  very  dreadful  con- 
sequences would  follow  the  neglect  of  it,  and  the  need  of  the  thun- 
ders and  other  terrors  of  Sinai  becomes  manifest." — Rawlinson. 

1.  The  core  of  today's  portion  is  the  Decalogue.  Try  to  read 
Ex.  20:2-17  as  you  would  read  a  passage  which  you  had  never 
seen.  Note  the  following:  (1)  In  the  first  five,  which  relate  to 
man's  obligation  to  God,  are  emphasized  in  order,  the  being,  the 
worship,  the  name,  the  day  of  God  and  parents,  who  are  God's 
earthly  representatives.  Thus  the  fifth  commandment  forms  the 
transition  to  the  second  table — from  one's  family  to  one's  neighbor; 
(2)  In  the  second  five,  which  relate  to  man's  duty  to  man,  are  em- 
phasized in  order,  the  neighbor's  life,  his  wife,  his  property,  his  rep- 
utation and  covetousness ;  (3)  The  Decalogue  begins  with  the  state 
of  the  mind  toward  God,  and  ends  with  that  state  of  mind  toward 
man  which  is  idolatry ;  (4)  The  sum  of  the  Decalogue  is  love.  Cf. 
Rom.  13:10.  Read  Matt.  22:34-40;  Deut.  6:4,  5.  (5)  Reflect  on 
the  moral  tone  of  these  commandments  and  the  spirituality  of  God. 

2.  "Now  to  Abraham  were  the  promises What  then  is  the 

law?  It  was  added  because  of  transgression"  (Gal.  3:16-19). 
Consider  the  negative  character  of  the  Decalogue  in  the  light  of 
this  statement.  Spend  a  few  moments  on  our  Lord's  interpretation 
of  the  law,  found  in  Matt.  5:21-48,  and  afterwards  read  Heb.  12: 
18-29. 

Personal  Thought:  "God  sending  His  own  Son, con- 
demned sin  in  the  flesh,  that  the  requirement  of  the  law  might  be 
fulfilled  in  us  who  walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit" 
(Rom.  8:3,  4).  Does  the  law  condemn  me,  or  is  its  requirement 
fulfilled  in  me  because  I  walk  by  the  Spirit? 


36       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  6:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


ist    Day:    §  18.    Legislation    at    Sinai    (Ex.    19:3—40:38) 

"At  starting,  each  of  us,  according  to  our  disposition,  is  con- 
scious of  liking  some  books  of  Scripture  better  than  others.  This, 
however,  should  lead  us  to  recognize  that,  in  some  way,  we  spe- 
cially need  the  teaching  that  is  less  attractive  to  us.  We  should 
set  ourselves  to  study  what  we  less  like;  till  that,  too,  has  had  its 
proper  effect  in  moulding  our  conscience  and  shaping  our  char- 
acter."— Canon  Gore. 

1.  While  much  of  the  material  for  a  few  days  to  come  has  not 
directly  to  do  with  character  study,  the  importance  of  a  general 
acquaintance  with  it  in  this  course  will  be  recognized:  (1)  because 
of  the  frequent  references  and  allusions  to  this  legislation  which 
will  be  found  in  the  study  of  lives  of  later  times;  and  (2)  because 
of  the  influence  of  these  laws  in  the  formation  of  some  of  the  char- 
acters whom  we  shall  study. 

2.  Glance  at  the  Diagram  of  Exodus,  and  note  the  relation  of 
the  material  in  Chaps.  25-40  to  the  whole. 

3.  Read  Hebrews  9:1-14;  10:19-22.  The  central  thought  in  the 
Tabernacle  seems  to  be  that  "God's  holiness  can  only  be  approached 
step  by  step,  whilst  the  road  by  which  we  must  approach  it  is  that 
which  will  insure  for  us  growth  in  holiness.  'The  pure  in  heart 
shall  see  God';  the  beatific  vision  is  for  those  only  whose  spiritual 
eyesight  has  been  prepared  for  its  reception.  We  cannot  come  up 
to  the  throne  of  God  save  through  the  outer  court  and  through  the 
sanctuary;  sacrifice  and  cleansing,  illumination  and  communion; 
then  for  those  who  can  receive  it,  the  open  vision  and  the  presence 
of  God." 

Personal  Thought:     "Having  boldness  to  enter  into  the  holy 
place. ....  .let  us  draw  near."     Read  again  Hebrews  10:19-22,  and 

as  you  do  so,  ask  yourself:    Do  I  know  by  experience  what  it  is 
to  enter  into  the  very  presence  of  God? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        37 
STUDY  6:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


2d  Day:     §  18.    Legislation   at    Sinai    (Ex.    19:3—40:38) 

"O  come,  let  us  worship  and  bow  down ; 
Let  us  kneel  before  the  Lord  our  Maker; 
For  He  is  our  God." — Psalm  95. 

1.  One  of  the  characteristic  expressions  of  Chaps.  35-40  is  "as 
the  Lord  commanded  Moses."  Glance  over  the  chapters,  especially 
39,  40,  for  this. 

2.  Returning  to  chapters  32-34,  we  shall  find  unparalleled  jus- 
tification for  the  title  of  this  study  in  the  effectual  mediation  of 
Moses.  Read  32:14,  34;  33:14;  34:10.  The  first  concession  won 
from  God  saved  them  from  destruction;  the  second  drew  from 
Him  a  promise  that  He  would  send  His  'angel'  to  guide  them  into 
the  land  of  Canaan,  though  Jehovah  personally  refused  to  go  with 
them ;  the  third  prevailed  on  Him  to  cancel  this  refusal  and  to  go 
with  them  Himself;  and  the  fourth  resulted  in  the  complete  re- 
establishment  of  the  Covenant  between  Jehovah  and  Israel."  Read 
19:5,  6;  and  then  33:16,  17.  If  you  have  time  examine  the  chap- 
ters getting  clearly  in  mind:  (1)  the  occasion  of  the  mediation 
(32:1-6);  (2)  The  first  plea  and  the  result  secured  (32:7-14); 
(3)  The  second  plea  and  the  result  (32:31 — 33  :ii)  ;  (4)  The 
third  plea  and  the  result    (33:15-17)- 

3.  In  what  is  the  disinterestedness  of  Moses  most  clearly  man- 
ifest? See  32:10,  32.  Read  again  33:13-16  and  note  the  words 
"I  and  thy  people?  Is  it  not  that  thou  goest  with  us?",  following 
"I  will  give  thee  rest."  Dwell  on  this  until  you  grasp  clearly  that 
Moses  declines  to  be  separated  in  thought  from  the  people. 

Personal    Thought:    "A    friend    of   mine because    of   his 

importunity  he  will  give  him  as  many  as  he  needeth How 

much  more  shall  your  heavenly  Father  give."  (Cf.  Luke  11:5- 
13.)  Am  I  availing  myself  of  the  privileges  in  prayer  which  are 
given  me  in  Christ? 


38  STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  6:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


3d  Day:    §  18.    Legislation  at  Sinai   (Ex.   19:3—40:38) 

"It  is  the  best  sign  of  a  great  nature  that  it  opens  a  foreground, 
and,  like  the  breath  of  morning  landscapes,  invites  us  onward."— 
Emerson. 

1.  Read  the  request  of  Moses  (Chap.  33:18)  which  followed 
his  successful  pleading  for  the  people,  indicating  that  he  longed 
for  a  fuller  revelation  of  God  than  had  yet  been  vouchsafed  to 
him. 

2.  Examine  Chap.  34  for  account  of  fuller  revelation  of  God  to 
Moses.  What  was  the  revelation  (vv.  5-7)  ?  What  was  the  phys- 
ical effect  upon  him  (vv.  29-35)?  What  spiritual  effect  (vv.  8,  9)  ? 
What  advance  is  this  on  the  revelation  at  the  bush  ? 

3.  Following  the  answer  to  Moses'  request,  is  a  summary  of  the 
conditions  of  the  Covenant  now  renewed  by  God  with  Israel  (cf. 
The  Brook  of  the  Covenant,  Chaps.  21-23).  Glance  over  this 
(Chap.  34:10-28),  noting  especially  vv.  10-16,  and  think  of  its 
bearing  on  the  extermination  of  the  Canaanites.  Here  for  the 
first  time  idolatry  is  referred  to  under  the  figure  of  breaking  the 
marriage  bond. 

4.  Glance  at  the  last  verses  of  Chap.  34,  and  read  2  Cor. 
3:12-18. 

Personal  Thought:  "So  Moses  finished  the  work.  Then  the 
cloud  covered  the  tent  of  meeting,  and  the  glory  of  the  Lord  filled 
the  tabernacle"  (Ex.  40:33,  34).  "The  Holy  Spirit  whom  God 
hath  given  to  them  that  obey  him"  (Acts  5:32).  Have  I  fulfilled 
the  conditions  of  reception  of  God  into  my  life?  Am  I  with  un- 
veiled face  beholding  the  glory  of  God,  and  as  a  consequence  being 
transformed  into  the  same  image  from  glory  to  glory? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        39 
STUDY  6:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


4th  Day:    §  18.    Legislation  at  Sinai   (Leviticus). 

"Tho'  Sin  too  oft,  when  smitten  by  Thy  rod 

Rail  at  '  Blind  Fate '  with  many  a  vain  -  Alas ! ' 

From  sin  through  sorrow  into  Thee  we  pass 

By  that  same  path  our  true  forefathers  trod ; 

And  let  not  Reason  fail  me,  nor  the  sod 

Draw  from  my  death  Thy  living  flower  and  grass, 

Before   I   learn  that  Love,  which  is  and  was, 

My  Father,  and  my  Brother,  and  my  God." —  Tennyson. 

i.  Referring  to  Diagram  IX,  of  the  Appendix,  read  what  is 
found  in  the  spaces  above  the  chapter  figures  1-7;  also  all  that  is 
found  in  the  spaces  A-E.     Look  up  the  references  in  B. 

2.  Underline  the  phrase  without  blemish  as  found  in  the  first 
three  chapters  of  Leviticus.  Note  the  frequency  of  reference  in 
Chap.  4  to  the  offerer  laying  hands  on  the  head  of  the  victim. 
What  did  this  signify? 

3.  Note  in  Chaps.  4,  5  the  frequent  reference  to  forgiveness. 
Trace,  in  one  instance  of  the  use  of  the  word,  the  steps  leading  up 
to  it.  Compare  your  result  with  Chap.  5:1,  2,  5,  6,  10.  Observe 
the  order  in  Chap.  5:15,  16. 

What  is  the  occasion  of  all  these  offerings?  Glance  through 
Chaps.  4 — 6  and  note  the  frequency  with  which  sin  is  mentioned. 

What  does  Chap.  7  say  about  thanksgiving? 

What  remaining  time  you  may  have,  may  very  profitably  be  em- 
ployed in  reading  most  thoughtfully  Hebrews  10:1-22. 

Personal   Thought:    "A   living   sacrifice your    reasonable 

I  die  daily."    Do  I? 


40        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  6:     MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


5th  Day:    §  18.    Legislation  at  Sinai  (Leviticus) 

"If  it  be  said,  'O  there  are  so  many  things  in  the  Scriptures—* 
sins,  vices,  crimes,  wickedness/ — certainly.  God  wants  to  show 
us  what  the  world  is  in  which  we  live,  and  the  anatomy  of  our 
own  heart;  but  as  God  alone  can  describe  it,  in  its  real  nature  and 
depth,  and  in  such  a  way  that  the  poison  is,  as  it  were,  hermetically 
sealed  —  not  like  the  wicked  and  filthy  literature  of  the  world 
which  tries  to  make  evil  appear  attractive  and  guilt  excusable." — 
Saphir. 

i.  Read  Lev.  11:44-47;  15:31  for  the  spiritual  basis  of  the 
requirements  in  this  portion  of  the  book.  Read  12:8  and  Luke 
2  :2i-24.     Reflect  on  the  humble  position  of  these  parents. 

2.  Chaps.  8 — 10  give  an  account  of  the  inauguration  of  the  serv- 
ices of  the  Sanctuary.  (Cf.  Diagram  of  Leviticus.)  Striking 
characteristics  of  them  are:  (1)  The  emphasis  of  strict  obedience 
to  directions  given.  (2)  The  fact  that  the  priest  offered  for 
himself  first  of  all.  "It  was  a  striking  acknowledgment  of  the 
true  character  of  the  Levitical  priesthood  that  the  very  first  offi- 
cial act  of  the  anointed  priest  should  be  to  offer  a  sacrifice  for  his 
own  sinful  nature."  Read  Heb.  7:26-28:  (3)  The  blessing  of  the 
people,  possibly  in  the  words  of  Numb.  6  :24-26 ;  (4)  The  testimony 
to  the  acceptance  of  the  sacrifice,  9:24;  (5)  The  solemn  lesson  of 
Chap.  10  gathered  up  in  v.  3.  If  you  have  any  more  time  read 
the  whole  of  Lev.  10  thoughtfully. 

Personal  Thought: 

"  Let  knowledge  grow  from  more  to  more, 
But  more  of  reverence  in  us  dwell." 

"Let  us  have  grace  whereby  we  may  offer  service  well  pleasing  to 
God  with  reverence  and  awe:  for  our  God  is  a  consuming  fire." 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        41 
STUDY  6:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


6th  Day:    §  18.    Legislation  at  Sinai  (Leviticus) 

"The  saving  work  of  Jesus  Christ  for  man  as  a  sinner, —  that 
is  what  the  Atonement  means  to  us.  I  think  it  surpasses  all  ex- 
planations of  it,  just  as  life  is  more  than  biology." — Henry  Van  Dyke. 

1.  Perhaps  the  most  important  chapter  in  the  book  of  Leviticus 
is  the  16th,  which  gives  an  account  of  the  Great  Day  of  Atone- 
ment. We  shall  give  this  day  to  it.  Read  thoughtfully  the  chap- 
ter and  compare  the  resulting  impressions  with  the  following 
explanations   and   scripture  references. 

2.  We  know  that  the  mercy  of  God  does  nothing  by  halves. 
The  spiritual  restoration  of  the  reconciled  sinner  is  perfect  before 
Him.  Psalms  517 — 103:12;  Isa.  1:18.  No  symbol  could  so 
plainly  set  forth  the  completeness  of  Jehovah's  acceptance  of  the 
penitent,  as  a  Sin-offering  in  which  a  life  was  given  up  for  the 
Altar,  and  yet  a  living  being  survived  to  carry  away  all  sin  and 
uncleanness.  (Cf.  Psa.  103:10-12;  Isa.  53:6,  11,  12;  Micah  7:19; 
John  1:29;  Heb.  9:28;  1  Pet.  2:24.) 

"It  would  seem  that  the  Day  of  Atonement  was  intended  as  an 
occasion  for  expressing  more  completely  than  could  be  done  in 
the  ordinary  sacrifices  the  spiritual  truth  of  Atonement  with  a  fuller 
acknowledgment  of  the  sinfulness  and  weakness  of  man  and  of  the 
corruptible  nature  of  all  earthly  things,  even  of  those  most  solemnly 
consecrated  and  devoted  to  the  service  of  God.  It  belonged  to  its 
observance  especially  to  set  forth,  by  the  entrance  of  the  high 
priest  into  the  Holy  Place,  that  Atonement  could  only  be  effected 
before  the  throne  of  Jehovah  Himself  (cf.  Matt.  9:6;  Mk.  2:7-10; 
Hel"  4  :i6)  ;  and  by  the  goat  sent  into  the  wilderness,  that  the 
sins  atoned  for  were  not  only  forgiven,  but  carried  wholly  away. 
The  rites  were  not  in  any  proper  sense  supplemental,  but  were  a 
solemn  gathering  up,  as  it  were,  of  all  other  rites  of  atonement,  so  as 
to  make  them  point  more  expressively  to  the  revelation  to  come  of 
God's  gracious  purpose  to  man  in  sending  His  Son  to  be  delivered 
for  our  offences,  and  to  rise  again  for  our  justification;  to  be  our 
great  High  Priest  forever,  and  to  enter  for  us  within  the  vail 
(Rom.  4:25;  Heb.  6:20)." 

Personal  Thought:    "With  the  Lord  there  is  mercy, 

And  with  Him  is  plenteous  redemption." 

Am  I  showing  that  I  appreciate  the  completeness  of  God's  redemp- 
tion of  me? 


42        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  6:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


7th  Day:    §  18.    Legislation  at  Sinai  (Leviticus) 


"The  Lord  reigneth ;  he  is  clothed  with  maj  esty ; 

Holiness  becometh  thine  house 
O  Lord,  for  evermore." — Psalm  OJ. 

1.  The  portion  for  today  is  Lev.,  chaps.  17 — 26.  Do  not  be  dis- 
turbed because  there  is  so  much  of  it.  There  will  be  no  attempt 
to  examine  it  in  detail.  Referring  to  the  Outline  Study  of  the  Book 
of  Leviticus,  Diagram  IX,  glance  at  what  appears  above  the  line 
of  chapter  numbers  from  1 — 16,  and  read  the  words  between  the 
figures  17  and  26.  The  object  for  today  should  be  by  contact  with 
the  material  to  come  to  a  clearer  apprehension  of  the  necessity  of 
holy  living  on  the  part  of  a  child  of  God. 

Read  the  sentence  above  the  space  on  the  Diagram  in  which  are 
the   figures   17-26. 

2.  Glance  at  Chap.  17:8-11,  for  the  requirement  to  sacrifice  in  one 
place,  and  the  prohibition  to  eat  blood,  with  the  reason. 

What  suggestion  comes  from  Chap.  18:1-5  respecting  the  origin 
of  the  Hebrew  laws?    Did  they  spring  from  environment? 

Personal  Thought:  "Holiness  becometh  thine  house,  O  Lord." 
"Know  ye  not  that  ye  are  a  temple  of  God,  and  that  the  Spirit  of 
God  dwelleth  in  you?"  Am  I  living  a  clean  life? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        43 
STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


1st  Day:    §  19.    The  Journeyings  of  Israel  in  the  Wilderness 
(Numbers) 

"Some  Staffordshire  colliers  went  to  see  the  sights  of  London,  and 
their  surprise  reached  its  height  when  one  exclaimed:  'I  say,  Bill, 
they've  got  the  same  old  moon  here  as  we've  got  at  Tipton!'  The 
sights  of  London  are  still  very  wonderful  and  well  worth  seeing; 
but  they've  got  the  same  old  human  nature  there  as  they've  got  at 
Tipton  and  everywhere  else  under  the  sun." — Ellen  Fowler. 

1.  Refer  to  Diagram  X  for  Outline  Study  of  the  Book  of  Num- 
bers. Spend  not  more  than  three  minutes  upon  this,  reading  over 
the  titles  in  chapter  spaces  and  also  what  is  to  be  found  in  spaces 
A-M,  omitting  examination  of  references.  Now  read  as  directed 
under  D,  J,  and  K,  of  the  Diagram.  Afterwards  under  L,  1-5,  read 
the  New  Testament  passage  in  each  instance  first,  and  then  spend 
only  enough  time  on  the  chapter  in  Numbers  to  be  able  definitely  and 
clearly  to  grasp  the  relation  of  the  two. 

2.  We  shall  now  consider  in  order  the  eight  instances  of  mur- 
muring found  in  Numbers. 

First  instance  of  murmuring.  Read  Chap.  11  :i-3.  Compare  ac- 
count of  first  murmuring  after  leaving  Egypt,  (Ex.  15  :22-2S),  noting 
the  difference  in  treatment  by  God.  What  had  occurred  since  then 
to  account  for  this  difference? 

Second  instance  of  murmuring.  Rapidly  read  Numb.  11:4-35. 
In  passing  notice  that  the  true  meaning  of  vv.  31,  32  is  that  the 
quails  flew  near  the  ground  and  were  thus  easily  caught  by  the 
people.  Compare  result  of  this  murmuring  (vv.  10,  33)  with  the 
result  of  the  second  murmuring  after  leaving  Egypt  (Ex.  16:3,  4), 
noting  the  difference  in  treatment  by  God.  What  had  occurred 
since  then  to   account  for  this? 

Personal  Thought:  "Cast  that  he  hath  given  thee  upon  the 
Lord  and  he  shall  sustain  thee."  (Psalm  55  :22,  R.  V.  margin.)  Am 
I  in  the  habit  of  doing  this? 


44        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


2d  Day:    §  19.    The  Journeyings  of  Israel  in  the  Wilderness 
(Numbers) 

"And  they  came  to  John,  and  said  unto  him,  Rabbi,  he  that  was 
with  thee  beyond  Jordan,  to  whom  thou  hast  borne  witness,  behold, 
the  same  baptizeth,  and  all  men  come  to  him.  John  answered  and 
said,  A  man  can  receive  nothing,  except  it  have  been  given  him 
from  heaven." — John  3:26,  27. 

1.  Continuing  the  study  of  the  incidents  connected  with  the  sec- 
ond murmuring  recorded  in  Numbers,  decide  what  is  the  most 
prominent  characteristic  of  Moses  which  appears  in  the  Eldad- 
Medad  incident,  Numb.  11 127-29.  If  you  were  to  name  Faith  as 
the  leading  characteristic  of  Abraham;  Persistence  as  the  most 
prominent  trait  of  Jacob,  and  Purity  as  strikingly  manifest  in  Jo- 
seph, what  would  you  mention  as  that  for  which  Moses  was  most 
distinguished? 

2.  Third  instance  of  murmuring.  Read  Numb  12:1-16.  In  con- 
nection with  v.  7,  read  Hebrews  3:1-6.  Is  any  man  of  the  Old  Tes- 
tament so  far  as  you  know  put  by  God  in  a  more  intimate  relation 
to  Himself  than  Moses  is  here  placed?  Dwell  upon  the  real  mean- 
ing of  meek  (v.  3)  in  the  light  of  the  career  of  Moses  as  known 
to  you  thus  far.  Is  it  so  much  submissive,  compliant,  as  unselfish, 
disinterested?  What  do  you  think  the  meaning  of  the  word  meek 
is  in  the  statement  of  our  Lord,  "I  am  meek  and  lowly"?  What 
trait  of  character  is  displayed  by  Aaron  here?  (Cf.  his  yielding 
to  the  influence  of  the  people  in  the  matter  of  the  golden  calf.) 

3.  Fourth  instance  of  murmuring.  Recall  the  revelation  to  Moses 
of  the  character  of  God  at  the  bush  (Ex.  3:14,  15)  as  the  powerful 
covenant-keeping  Jehovah,  and  afterwards  at  the  mount  (Ex.  34  :6, 
7)  as  the  merciful  Saviour,  and  read  Numb.  14:13-19,  noting  how 
revelation  is  made  the  basis  of  intercession.  This  brings  us  face 
to  face  with  one  of  the  most  important  principles  of  prayer.  Give  a 
little  time  to  meditation  upon  it. 

Personal  Thought  :  "We  know  that  if  we  ask  anything  accord- 
ing to  His  will  He  heareth  us"  (1  John  5:14).  Am  I  accustomed 
to  seek  to  know  from  God's  Word  whether  the  petitions  which  I 
present  are  according  to  His  will? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS  45 

STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


3d  Day:    §  19.    The  Journeyings  of  Israel  in  the  Wilderness 
(Numbers) 

'  "Be  ye  not  as  the  horse,  or  as  the  mule,  which  have  no  under- 
standing: Whose  trappings  must  be  bit  and  bridle  to  hold  them  in." 
— Psa.  32. 

1.  Glance  over  the  instances  of  murmuring  studied  yesterday  and 
the  day  before,  and  note  that  in  every  instance  since  the  departure 
from  Sinai  there  has  been  swift  and  severe  punishment.  Observe 
whether  the  same  is  true  of  those  to  follow. 

2.  Fifth  instance  of  murmuring.  Read  rapidly  16:1-40,  noting  es- 
pecially w.  5,  7,  11,  22,  26,  28,  38.  What  characteristic  of  Moses 
would  you  say  is  most  prominent  here? 

3.  Sixth  instance  of  murmuring.  Read  16:41-50.  What  is  this 
record  showing  us  about  the  patience  of  God?  Consider  the  witness 
to  the  choice  of  Aaron  as  priest,  vv.  47,  48,  and  Chap.  17.  Glance  at 
18:1-7. 

4*.  Seventh  instance  of  murmuring.  Read  20:1-13.  Note  the 
words  and  action  of  Moses,  vv.  10,  11  (cf.  v.  8).  These  give  evi- 
dence of  violent  irritation.  "The  faithful  servant  of  God  worn  out 
by  the  reiterated  perversities  of  the  people,  at  last  breaks  down,  and 
in  the  actual  discharge  of  his  duties  as  God's  representative  before 
Israel,  acts  unworthily  of  the  great  function  entrusted  to  him." 
Read  Psa.  106:32,  33. 

5.  Eighth  instance  of  murmuring.  Read  Chap.  21:1-9,  and  com- 
pare John  3:14-16.  There  yet  remains  much  that  is  interesting  in 
the  book  of  Numbers,  but  it  cannot  be  here  considered.  Seek  op- 
portunity to  read  the  entire  book  of  Numbers  through  at  a  single 
sitting.  In  it  is  a  wonderful  revelation  of  the  patience  of  God,  as 
well  as  of  the  perversity  of  the  human  heart. 

Personal  Thought  :    "A  generation  that  prepared  not  their  heart 
aright, 
And  whose  spirit  was  not  steadfast  with 
God." 
Shall  I  not  entreat  God  to  give  me  steadfastness  of  spirit?    Am  I 
imposing  upon  the  patience  of  God? 


Omit  4  if  pressed  for  time. 


46         STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


4th  Day:    §  20.    The  Wilderness  Hymn  (Psalm  90) 

"The  worst  trouble  in  the  world  is  the  trouble  that  does  not  know 
God,  and  so  does  not  suffer.  Without  such  knowledge  there  is  no 
suffering.  The  sense  of  sin  in  the  soul  is  the  apprehension  of 
Almighty  God." 

1.  The  impress  of  the  weary  wilderness  is  in  every  line  of  this 
90th  Psalm.  The  most  fitting  time  to  think  of  its  composition  is 
soon  after  the  report  of  the  spies.  Read  the  poem  following  a 
division  into  three  sections  as  follows:  (1)  vv.  1-6,  in  which 
adoration  is  prominent;  (2)  vv.  7-12,  in  which  confession  prevails; 
(3)  vv.  13-17,  which  are  full  of  petition. 

The  theme  of  this  Psalm  is  "the  frailty  and  brevity  of  human 
life,  considered  as  a  consequence  of  sin,  and  as  a  motive  to  repent- 
ance and  obedience." 

2.  Read  the  Psalm  again  following  an  outline  stated  thus : 

I.     The  Eternity  of  God  contrasted  with  the  frailty  of  man. 
II.     The  reasons  for  man's  transitoriness  is  his  sin  and  the  result- 
ing displeasure  of  God. 

III.    The  request  that,  in  spite  of  sin,  God  would  bless  His  people. 

The  poem  begins  with  the  thought  of  home  and  ends  with  the 
same  [cf.  §  21,  Deut.  26:15]. 

Read  v.  11  in  the  light  of  the  following:  "A  concise  expression 
of  the  principle  that  determines  the  severity  of  punishment.  God's 
displeasure  as  expressed  by  penalty,  is  measured  by  His  high  claims 
to  respect  and  obedience."— Deivitt.  Think  of  the  illustrations  of 
this  principle  in  the  eight  murmurings  and  their  results  recorded  in 
the  Book  of  Numbers. 

3.  Note  that  the  mention  of  God's  work,  v.  16,  is  followed  by 
reference  to  man's  work  in  v.  17.  A  consideration  of  the  brevity 
of  life  leads  to  the  idea  of  work  at  the  close.  This  is  not  without, 
respect  to  its  relation  to  the  future,  as  is  evinced  in  the  words,  "Thy 
glory  upon  their  children."     Cf.  1  Cor.  15  158. 

"Although  more  than  3000  years  old  this  Psalm  is  not  antiquated. 
It  is  read  over  the  dust  of  some  hundreds  of  the  children  of  men 
every  week  in  London  alone." — Perowne. 

Personal  Thought:  Have  I  given  sufficient  thought  to  render- 
ing God  the  fear  that  is  due  Him? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        47 
STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


5th  Day:  §  21.  Farewell  Addresses,  Song  and  Death  of  Moses 
(Deuteronomy) 
It  was  a  pious  monk  who  said:  "Whosoever  seeketh  an  interpre- 
tation in  this  book  shall  get  an  answer  from  God ;  whosoever  bring- 
eth  an  interpretation  to  this  book  shall  get  an  answer  from  the 
devil." 

1.  The  last  three  days  of  the  present  Study  remain  for  the  whole 
of  the  Book  of  Deuteronomy,  one  of  the  most  important  books  of 
the  Old  Testament  from  a  practical  standpoint.  What  shall  we  do? 
Shall  we  try  to  cover  it  by  rapid  reading  or  shall  we  make  selec- 
tions?    Probably  the  latter  will  be  better. 

2.  First  of  all  secure  a  general  view  of  the  book  by  examining 
Diagram  XI  in  the  Appendix. 

3.  Perhaps  the  most  interesting  fact  about  Deuteronomy  is  that 
our  Saviour  quoted  from  it  three  times  when  tempted  in  the  Wilder- 
ness. 

Before  examining  the  passages  read  Matthew  4:1-11  about  the 
temptation  of  Jesus. 

4.  Notice  the  marginal  references  in  vv.  4,  7,  and  10  to  Deuter- 
onomy. The  passages  in  Deuteronomy  in  order  given  by  Matthew 
are  8:3,  6:16,  and  6:13. 

Read  these  in  their  connection,  and  think  about  the  interesting 
fact  that  in  His  time  of  need  our  Lord  had  recourse  to  words  from 
Deuteronomy. 

Had  Jesus  not  been  a  Bible  student— had  He  not  been  acquainted 
with  these  passages,  do  you  suppose  He  would  have  had  them  ready 
to  use  in  this  emergency?  No.  Of  Him  it  was  true,  as  it  is  of  us— 
"Thy  word  have  I  hid  in  my  heart  that  I  might  not  sin  against  Thee" 
(Psa.  119:11).  The  Spirit  of  God  does  not  enable  us  to  recall  what 
we  have  not  first  acquainted  ourselves  with. 

Personal  Thought:  Both  the  real  divinity  and  the  real  hu- 
manity of  Jesus  Christ  are  brought  out  in  the  words:     "If  (=since) 

thou  art  the  Son  of  God" "Man  shall  not  live  by  bread  alone." 

Recalling  the  connection  in  Deuteronomy  let  us  ask  ourselves  wheth- 
er we  by  experience  have  learned  that  man  does  not  live  by  bread 
alone.  Am  I  ready  to  starve  (as  Jesus  was)  rather  than  disobey 
God? 


48        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


6th  Day:    §  21.    Farewell  Addresses,  Song  and  Death  of  Moses 
(Deuteronomy) 

"Next  to  the  birth  and  mission  of  Jesus  Christ,  the  existence  and 
institutions  of  the  Hebrew  people  are  the  most  important  event  in 
universal  history.  The  founder  of  Judaism  and  the  founder  of 
Christianity  are  the  two  persons  whose  lives  and  labors  have  most 
extensively  and  powerfully  influenced  the  progress  and  destiny 
of  the  human  race.  The  truths  which  they  revealed,  the  doctrines 
which  they  taught,  have  entered  as  the  profoundest  element  into  the 
civilization  of  mankind.  While  saving  individuals,  they  have  been 
the  true  power  of  nations,  acting  at  once  as  the  most  vivifying  and 
the  most  conservative  principle  in  human  affairs. 

"The  polity  of  Moses  has  a  twofold  importance.  It  is  important, 
first,  from  the  perfection  of  wisdom,  in  which  the  work  was  accom- 
plished; but  still  more  important,  secondly,  from  its  consequences 
to  the  world.  These  consequences  continue  to  this  moment,  and  will 
continue  through  all  coming  time.  Christianity  itself  sprang  from 
the  bosom  of  Judaism.  Without  the  religion  of  Moses,  the  religion 
of  Christ  would  never  have  been  given  to  the  world.  It  is,  there- 
fore, in  a  certaii  sense,  undoubtedly  true,  that  we  owe  to  the  Mosaic 
code  the  greate  part  of  the  light  which  we  this  day  enjoy.  Espe- 
cially are  we  indebted  to  this  code  for  a  precious  truth,  which  reason, 
left  to  itself,  has  never  yet  discovered;  I  mean  the  doctrine  of  the 
unity  of  God.  By  the  possession  of  this  truth  a  large  portion  of 
the  human  family  have  been  happily  rescued  from  the  errors  and 
immoralities  to  which  the  belief  in  many  gods  invariably  leads." — 
Wines,  in  Preface  to  "The  Laws  of  the  Ancient  Hebrews." 

1.  Deuteronomy  18  19-19  is  one  of  the  most  important  passages 
in  the  book.  It  presents  the  contrast  between  false  prophets  and 
the  true  prophetic  order.  It  forbids  consulting  false  leaders  (vv. 
9-14)  and  promises  true  prophets  and  commands  obedience  to  them. 

2.  Read  the  passage  in  this  light  and  meditate  thereon. 

3.  Try  to  decide  what  characteristics  of  a  true  prophet  are 
brought  into  view  by  v.  18. 

Personal  Thought:  Am  I  trying  the  spirits  of  my  teachers  as 
I  should?    Am  I  testing  by  God's  word  what  I  hear  and  read? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        49 
STUDY  7:    MOSES,  THE  MAN  OF  GOD 


7th  Day:    §  21.    Farewell  Addresses,  Song  and  Death  of  Moses 
(Deuteronomy) 

"Inspiration  apart,  Moses  possessed  all  those  endowments  and 
qualities  which  form  the  consummate  statesman  and  chief  magistrate : 
an  intellect  of  the  highest  order;  a  perfect  mastery  of  all  the  civil 
wisdom  of  the  age;  a  penetrating,  comprehensive  and  sagacious 
judgment;  great  promptness  and  energy  in  action;  patriotism  which 
neither  ingratitude,  ill  treatment  nor  rebellion  could  quench,  or  even 
cool ;  a  commanding  and  persuasive  eloquence ;  a  hearty  love  of 
truth ;  an  incorruptible  virtue ;  an  entire  freedom  from  selfish  ambi- 
tion; an  invincible  hatred  of  tyranny  and  injustice;  a  patient  en- 
durance of  toil ;  a  courageous  contempt  of  danger ;  and  a  greatness 
of  soul  in  which  he  has  never  been  surpassed  by  the  most  admired 
heroes  of  ancient  or  modern  times.  Comprehensiveness,  grasp,  force, 
sagacity,  were  the  predominant  characteristics  of  his  mind;  magna- 
nimity, disinterestedness,  an  enthusiastic  devotion  to  liberty,  and 
an  ardent  but  rational  piety,  the  leading  qualities  of  his  heart." — 
Wines,  in  Commentaries  on  the  Laws  of  the  Ancient  Hebrews, 
p.  126. 

1.  Re-read  Deuteronomy  18  19-19. 

2.  What  characteristics  of  the  true  prophet  did  you  find  in  v.  18? 
Can  you  not  make  a  statement  from  the  following  analysis  of  the 
verse : 

1.  I  will  raise  up  a  prophet. 

2.  From  among  their  brethren. 

3.  Like  unto  thee  (that  is  Moses). 

4.  I  will  put  my  words  in  his  mouth. 

5.  He  shall  speak  all  that  I  shall  command  him. 

3.  This  prophecy  had  its  fulfilment  in  the  Old  Testament  order 
of  prophets,  and  its  climax  in  our  own  Lord  Jesus  Christ. 

4.  Read  about  the  death  of  Moses  in  Deuteronomy  34th  chapter. 
You  will  not  fail  to  associate  in  thought  the  last  paragraph  with 
Deut.  18. 

5.  Have  you  ever  read  any  book  of  the  Bible  through  without 
interruption?  It  has  been  said  that  forty-two  of  the  sixty-six  books 
of  the  Bible  are  so  short  that  any  one  of  them  may  be  read  through 
in  less  than  half  an  hour.  From  a  continuous  reading  of  a  book, 
results  most  valuable,  and  attainable  in  no  other  way,  may  be 
secured.  Could  you  not  find  time  today  to  read  the  book  of 
Deuteronomy  through  without  interruption?  If  you  do  undertake 
this,  you  might  find  a  reading  of  the  words  in  Diagram  XI  helpful 
as  an  introduction. 

Personal  Thought  :  "God  is  nigh  whenever  we  call  upon  Him" 
Deut.  4  :7.  Am  I  daily  learning  afresh  the  secret  of  the  nighness 
of  the  Most  High  ? 


50        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  8:    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


ist   Day:    §   22.     Preparation   for   the   Conquest   of    Canaan 
(Joshua  1:1—5:12) 

"In  the  early  part  of  my  biblical  studies  some  30-35  years  ago, 
when  I  first  began  the  critical  investigation  of  the  Scriptures,  doubts 
and  difficulties  started  up  on  every  side  like  the  armed  men  whom 
Cadmus  is  fabled  to  have  raised  up.  Time,  patience,  continued 
study,  a  better  acquaintance  with  the  original  scriptural  languages 
and  the  countries  where  the  sacred  books  were  written,  have  scat- 
tered to  the  winds  nearly  all  these  doubts.  I  meet,  indeed,  with 
difficulties  still,  which  I  cannot  solve  at  once,  with  some,  where  even 
repeated  efforts  have  not  solved  them.  But  I  quiet  myself  by  calling 
to  mind  that  hosts  of  other  difficulties,  once  apparently  to  me  as 
formidable  as  these,  have  been  removed,  and  have  disappeared  from 
the  circle  of  my  troubled  vision.  Why  may  I  not  hope,  then,  as  to 
the  difficulties  which  remain?  Every  year  is  now  casting  some  new 
light  on  the  Bible,  and  making  plain  some  things  which  aforetime 
were  either  not  understood  or  were  misunderstood.  Why  may  not 
my  difficulties  be  reached  by  some  future  progressive  increase  of 
light?" — Prof.  Stuart,  in  Canon  of  the  Old  Testament. 

t.     Spend  not  more  than  two  minutes  on  Diagram  XII. 

2.  Read  Joshua,  Chap.  1,  noting  the  relation  of:  (1)  Knowledge 
of  and  meditation  upon  God's  law;  (2)  Courage;   (3)  Activity. 

3.  In  Chap.  2,  note  especially  vv.  10,  11,  24  (cf.  Numbers  14:13). 
Think  for  a  moment  of  the  revelation  of  the  true  God  which  was 
being  made  beyond  the  bounds  of  Israel  by  all  these  events.  Be 
looking  for  references  to  this  in  the  future.  Read  James  2  :2$.  But 
did  Rahab  work  before  she  had  faith?  Head  again  Joshua  2:10,  first 
clause.  "Faith  alone  justifies,  but  not  the  faith  which  is  alone." 
Read  James  2:14,  last  clause  (R.  V.). 

Personal  Thought  :    "Thou  shalt  meditate  therein that  thou 

mayest  observe  to  do."    Is  my  Bible  study  practical? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        51 
STUDY  8.    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


2d  Day:    §  23.    The   Central,    Southern,   and   Northern   Cam- 
paigns (Joshua  5:13—12:24) 

"  It  was  terrible  surgery  this ;  but  it  was  surgery,  and  not  murder : 
the  excision  of  the  cancer,  that  the  healthy  part  might  remain.  The 
words  of  Carlyle  touching  Cromwell's  work  in  Ireland,  fit  this  case: 
'An  armed  soldier,  solemnly  conscious  to  himself  that  he  is  the  sol- 
dier of  God  the  just, — a  consciousness  which  it  well  beseems  all 
soldiers  and  all  men  to  have  always — armed  soldier,  terrible  as  death, 
relentless  as  doom;  doing  God's  judgments  on  the  enemies  of  God! 
It  is  a  phenomenon  not  of  joyful  nature;  no,  but  of  awful,  to  be 
looked  at  with  pious  terror  and  awe.' " — Moorehead. 

1.  In  reference  to  the  extermination  of  the  Canaanites,  read  Gen. 
15:16;  Lev.  18:21-25,  27-30;  20:1-24;  Deut.  12:29-32;  20:10-18. 
Read  also  Joshua  2:9,  10;  9:1,  2,  9,  10;  11:1-5,  and  consider  that 
opposition  to  Israel  was  really  evidence  of  the  most  decided  rejection 
of  Jehovah  in  the  face  of  unimpeachable  evidence  of  His  existence 
and  superiority  to  idols.  The  nations  were  not  destroyed  without 
the  most  ample  warning  and  long  continued  opportunity  to  avert  the 
catastrophe. 

Joshua's  "scheme  of  invasion  was  to  drive  his  army  suddenly,  like 
a  wedge,  right  into  the  middle  of  the  country.  By  that  movement 
he  separated  his  enemies,  prevented  any  too  large  combinations 
against  him,  and  was  enabled  to  take  his  foes  in  detail." 

2.  The  account  of  the  Central  Campaign  is  found  in  Joshua, 
Chaps.  5 :  13— 9:27;  that  of  the  Southern  Campaign  is  found  in  Chap. 
10  :i-43  ;  and  that  of  the  Northern  campaign  is  found  in  n  :i — 12  :24. 
If  time  is  available  seek  to  extract  the  thought  of  these  narra- 
tives, not  missing  such  features  as:  (1)  The  emphasis  of  the  work 
as  God-imposed ;  (2)  The  recognition  of  a  distinct  supernatural  ele- 
ment introduced,  however,  at  crises  only;  (3)  The  promptness  in 
action  of  Joshua;  (4)  The  repeated  encouragements  to  Joshua; 
(5)  The  solidarity  of  the  Nation  as  indicated  by  the  reason  for  the 
defeat  at  Ai ;  (6)  The  necessity  of  absolute  obedience.  Refer  to  a 
map  for  at  least  a  general  idea  of  the  movements  of  Joshua. 

Personal  Thought:  "As  the  Lord  commanded so  did  Josh- 
ua ;  he  left  nothing  undone  of  all  that  the  Lord  commanded."  Would 
these  words  be  true  of  the  past  twenty-four  hours  of  my  life?  Am 
I  determined  to  live  so  that  they  may  be  true  of  today? 


52        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  8:    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


3d  Day:    §  24.    The  Inheritance  of  the  Tribes;  Last  Acts  and 
Words  of  Joshua  (Joshua  13:1—24:33) 

1.  The  last  two  chapters  of  Joshua  should  be  read  pretty  carefully. 
After  your  own  reading  and  noting  on  paper  of  two  or  three  of  the 
most  striking  features,  compare  the  following  (1)  The  earnest 
solicitude  of  Joshua  for  the  future  of  the  people  as  indicated  in 
his  calling  first  the  elders  (Chap.  23:1)  and  again  not  only  the  el- 
ders, but  the  people  together  (Chap.  24  :i)  for  counsel;  (2)  The  em- 
phasis in  the  first  address  (Chap.  23)  of  the  fidelity  of  God  as  proved 
in  the  past  in  doing  them  good,  and  the  argument  from  this  that 
evil  must  ensue  if  they  did  wrong  (v.  15)  ;  (3)  The  reference  to  the 
book  of  the  law  (Chap.  23:6)  and  the  covenant  (Chap.  23:16) 
and  their  emphasis  of  the  requirement  to  keep  from  idols  and  to 
serve  God  only;  (4)  The  marginal  reading  of  Chap.  23:10;  (5)  The 
opportunity  given  (Chap.  24)  to  the  people  to  choose  Jehovah  (cf. 
their  election  of  Him  at  the  mount  when  the  Theocracy  was  es- 
tablished) or  to  prefer  idols;  (6)  The  method  of  Joshua  in  first 
recounting  the  goodness  of  God  in  the  past,  and  then  publicly  casting 
his  vote  for  Jehovah;  (7)  His  testing  of  the  people,  vv.  19,  20;  (8) 
The  witness  pillar  and  what  was  said  when  it  was  set  up. 

2.  Take  a  moment  to  note  the  prominence,  in  the  first  part  of 
Joshua,  of  the  thought  that  not  one  thing  should  fail  of  all  that 
God  had  spoken,  and  the  emphasis  of  the  same  as  a  matter  of 
experience  in  the  latter  part  of  the  book. 

3.  Spend  a  moment  on  an  estimate  of  the  character  of  Joshua  and 
the  message  of  his  life,  as  suggested  by  the  first  paragraph  for  today, 
and  compare  with  the  following:  "Throughout  he  is  the  fearless 
soldier,  the  straightforward  leader,  the  simple,  unquestioning  exec- 
utor of  the  divine  will."  "Joshua  sets  before  us  the  energy  of  faith 
which,  grounding  itself  on  the  promise  of  God,  and  trusting  Him, 
loyally  addresses  itself  to  the  appointed  task." 

Personal  Thought:  "As  for  me  and  my  house."  Is  my  re- 
ligion a  service  of  God  in  sincerity  and  in  truth,  so  that  whatever 
others  do,  my  allegiance  and  faithfulness  will  not  waver? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        53 
STUDY  8:    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


4th  Day:    §  25.    The  Earlier  Judges  until  Gideon  (Judges  1:1 — 
5:30 

"The  story  of  the  Judges  is  one  in  which  the  impression  of  wars 
and  social  chaos  and  'evil  in  the  sight  of  the  Lord'  and  the  retribu- 
tions of  His  holy  government  predominates.  There  is  much  in  the 
development,  much  in  the  character  and  doings  of  even  the  best  of 
the  men  whom  God  raised  up,  which  cannot  be  reconciled  with  the 
testimony  of  the  Christian  conscience.  But  we  must  recollect  that 
the  Christian  conscience  is  an  unfolding  of  those  last  days  in  which 
God  had  spoken  in  His  Son.  Chrysostom  has  remarked  that  one  can 
get  at  the  truth  of  an  earlier  time  only  by  investigating  'the  period, 
cause,  motive,  difference  of  person,  and  all  the  attendant  circum- 
stances'; and  he  has  added  with  striking  force  that  the  highest 
merit  of  the  Old  Testament  Scriptures  is  that  we  now  see  the 
defects  of  that  time;  that  'if  they  had  not  trained  us  so  well  that 
we  have  become  susceptible  of  higher  things,  we  should  not  now 
have  seen  their  deficiency.' " — Lang,  in  Men  of  the  Bible. 

1.  Read  Psalm  106  134-46  for  a  graphic  description  of  the  times  of 
the  judges.    Glance  at  Diagram  XIII,  reading  Observation  8. 

2.  Merely  read  over  this  paragraph.  Refuse  to  be  side-tracked  by 
difficulties,  and  give  today's  time  to  Judges  3  7 — 4  124,  after  reading 
the  following:  The  Introduction  (Chaps.  1:1 — 3:6)  is  designed  to 
prepare  for  the  succeeding  narrative  "by  explaining  how  it  was 
that  the  heathen  nations  were  still  so  powerful  and  the  Israelites 
so  destitute  of  divine  aid."  "Keep  yourselves  from  idols"  is  the 
chief  lesson  of  the  history  of  the  Judges.  Ask  yourself:  Does 
the  command  given  Israel  to  exterminate  the  nations  appear  the 
more  justifiable  when  one  takes  into  account  the  evil  effects  of 
Israel's  failure  to  do  so? 

Personal  Thought:    "Curse  ye  Meroz because  they  came 

not  to  the  help  of  the  Lord"  (Judges  5:23).  Is  there  a  call  to  me 
to  undertake  in  behalf  of  God's  cause  to  which  I  am  today  refusing 
to  give  heed? 


54        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  8:    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


5th  Day:    §  28.    Internal  Glimpses  of  the  Times  of  the  Judges 
(Judges  17:1—21:25;  Ruth) 

"So  prone  are  mortals  to  their  own  damnation,  it  seems  as  though 
a  devil's  use  were  gone." 

1.  Today  take  glimpses  at  three  stories  of  the  age  of  the  Judges, 
which  reveal  something  of  the  manners  and  morals  of  the  times. 
There  is  good  reason  for  believing  that  the  first  two  belong  early  in 
the  period. 

First  Story.  Judges,  Chaps.  17,18/  Read  17:6 — 18:1—18:31. 
Read  17:5,  and  then  v.  13.  Is  there  indication  that  Micah's  con- 
science was  not  altogether  clear  about  the  worship  in  his  house? 
"Want  of  maintenance,  no  less  than  conscience,  draws  him  on  to 
the  danger  of  idolatrous  patronage.  When  need  meets  with  un- 
conscionableness,  all  conditions  are  easily  swallowed,  of  unlawful 
entrances,  of  wicked  executions."    Read  1  Kings  12  :28-3i. 

Second  Story.  Judges,  Chaps.  19—21.  Read  21 :25.  This  nar- 
rative emphasizes  the  real  unity  of  the  nation  even  in  that  time  of 
social  chaos,  and  also  the  power  of  the  central  ordinances  of  worship 
in  the  life  and  destinies  of  Israel. 

Third  Story.  (The  Book  of  Ruth).  "For  pathos,  sweetness,  and 
unaffected  naturalness  it  is  unsurpassed."  "The  impression  left  on 
the  mind  by  the  two  previous  narratives  is  that  which  is  naturally 
caused  by  records  of  unrest  and  anarchy.  But,  lest  it  might  be  sup- 
posed that  all  nobility  and  grace  had  vanished  from  the  life  of  Israel, 
a  short  book  expressly  connected  with  'the  days  when  the  Judges 
judged,'  exhibits  a  series  of  pictures  which  show  how  much  piety  and 
simplicity  of  manner  adorned  even  those  rude  days,  how  much  was 
worth  preserving  because  it  had  the  possibility  of  higher  things." 

2.  Note  especially  Ruth  1:16,  17,  2:3,  12;  and  the  genealogy 
in  4  :  18-22.  "The  glory  of  Israel  culminated  in  the  son  of  Jesse,  and 
all  that  illustrated  his  ancestry  was  of  paramount  interest  to  the 
nation."  Read  Matthew  1 :2-6.  On  the  kinsman  redeemer,  read 
Deut.  25:5,  6;  Leviticus  25:25-28,  47-50. 

Personal  Thought:  "Her  hap  was  to  light  on  the  portion  of 
the  field  belonging  to  Boaz."  "The  lot  is  cast  into  the  lap ;  but  the 
whole  disposing  thereof  is  of  the  Lord."  Do  I  still  believe  in 
luck? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        55 
STUDY  8:    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


6th  Day:    §  26.    Gideon  and  His  Successors     (Judges  6:1—10:5) 

"And  Jesus  said  unto  him,  If  thou  canst !  All  things  are  possible 
to  him  that  believeth.  Straightway  the  father  of  the  child  cried  out, 
and  said,  I  believe;  help  thou  mine  unbelief." — Mark. 

1.  Read  Judges,  Chaps.  6  and  7,  rapidly  but  thoughtfully,  without 
interruption,  except  to  check  striking  thoughts  with  pencil  in  the 
margin.  At  once  record  that  which  has  been  most  helpful  to  you. 
You  might  mention  this  in  some  letter  which  you  write  to  a  friend 
today. 

2.  "The  most  marked  thing  in  Gideon  is  that  he  does  believe  and 
yet  finds  that  he  wants  help  to  his  faith.  That  state  of  mind  God 
is  always  ready  to  meet.  God  has  no  signs  for  any  man  who  wants 
help  to  doubt;  and  therefore  our  Lord  Jesus  scornfully  refused  the 
Pharisaic  request  for  a  sign. 

"God  always  has  something  for  the  faith-strengthened  man  to  do 
or  to  bear  or  to  suffer.  If  God  gives  His  good  help,  and  makes  men 
strong  in  faith,  He  will  be  sure  to  put  to  the  test  the  faith  which 
He  has  strengthened. 

"Distinguish  between  the  desire  to  be  assured  that  he  really  had 
a  promise  from  God,  and  doubts  as  to  God's  faithfulness  or  power  to 
fulfil  His  promise.  Of  the  latter  there  is  not  a  trace  in  Gideon's 
character." 

Read  Hebrews  11:32. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  sword  of  the  Lord  and  of  Gideon." 
Do  I  practice  the  principle  that  howsoever  efficient  my  equipment 
for  Christian  work  may  be,  I  am  nothing  without  God's  effectual 
energizing? 


56        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  8:    JOSHUA  AND  THE  JUDGES 


7th  Day:    §  27.    Jephthah  and  Samson  (Judges  10:6—16:31) 

"What  is  strength  without  a  double  share 

Of  wisdom?    Vast,  unwieldy,  burthensome, 

Proudly  secure,  yet  liable  to  fall 

By  weakest  subtleties,  not  made  to  rule 

But  to   subserve  where  wisdom  bears   command." 

— Milton,  in  Samson  Agonistes. 

Give  your  time  today  to  the  story  of  Samson,  under  2  and  3* 
Judges  10:6 — 12:15  tells  the  story  of  Jephthah. 

1.  "How  much  more  intelligent  does  Jephthah  become  when  we  re- 
member that  he  was  raised  up  from  the  half-civilized  region  of  the 
Eastern  tribes, — in  the  wildness  of  his  freebooting  life,  in  the  rash- 
ness and  ignorance  of  his  vow;  in  the  savage  vengeance  which  he 
exacted  from  the  insolence  of  Ephraim — a  Bedouin  chief  rather  than 
an  Israelitish  judge."— Stanley,  Sinai  and  Palestine. 

2.  "The  power  of  Samson  lay  in  his  impulsive  practical  joking— 
the  man  must  be  doing  something  odd.     And  this  was  just  the 

ministry  God  wanted  at  that  particular  time the  immoralities 

are  not  revelations  of  the  particular  man.  They  are  common  to 
man;  and  in  studying  Samson  the  effort  should  be  made  to  dis- 
cover what  was  distinctive  of  him,  the  thing  which  was  the  weapon 

for  his  special  ministry At  a  time  when  'there  was  no  more  spirit 

in  them'  he  made  the  people  laugh.  He  turned  the  laugh  against 
the  Philistines.  He  showed  the  Philistine  up  in  his  stolidity,  his 
blind  idolatry,  the  cowardice  behind  all  the  bullying.     He  bade  his 

brethren  be  of  good  cheer He  is  the  man  who  'served  God  in  his 

generation'  in  the  use  of  the  gift  of  giant-like  playfulness.  Samson 
'began  to  deliver  Israel.'  Let  him  do  his  preparatory  work— it  was 
the  work  of  the  hour— God  will  surely  bring  forth  the  men  to  follow 
on  and  complete  the  deliverance."— Tuck,  in  Revelation  by  Charac- 
ter. 

3.  Read  Judges,  Chap.  16.  If  you  do  not  know  the  story  of 
Samson  quite  well,  take  time  today  to  read  Judges  13—16. 

Personal  Thought:  "He  wist  not  that  the  Lord  was  departed 
from  him,"  but  he  found  it  out  soon  after.  Is  the  Lord  with  me? 
On  what  condition  will  He  be  with  and  abide  in  me? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        S7 
STUDY  9:    SAMUEL,  THE  JUDGE  AND  PROPHET 


1st  Day:    §  29.    The  Early  Life  of  Samuel  (i  Sam.  1:1— 4:1a) 

"Were  I  to  mark  down  what  might  be  called  my  chronological  ex- 
perience as  a  Bible  reader,  I  should  not  hesitate  to  say  that,  up  to 
this  moment,  my  careful  perusal  of  the  Bible  has  increasingly  con- 
firmed my  faith  in  its  divine  inspiration  and  authority.  Without 
proceeding  one  page  beyond  the  book  of  Ruth,  I  know  of  a  surety 
that  the  preceding  portions  of  the  Bible  are  not  the  work  of  in- 
ventors, dreamers  or  impostors.  The  composition  is  too  artless  for 
a  schemer,  the  history  is  too  vivid  for  a  dreamer,  and  the  morality 
is  too  exacting  for  a  libertine.  My  knowledge  of  the  Bible  increases 
my  reverence  for  it  in  every  respect." — Joseph  Parker. 

Spend  your  time  today  on  paragraphs  opposite  2  and  3.  Merely 
read  other  paragraphs. 

1.  Look  up  on  a  map  the  location  of:  (1)  Ramathaim-Zophim, 
known  also  as  Ramah,  and  later  as  Arimathsea;  (2)  Shiloh.  Read 
Joshua  18  :i. 

Spend  two  or  three  minutes  on  Diagrams  XIV,  XV,  in  order 
to  secure  a  general  idea  of  the  contents  and  arrangement  of  the 
books  of  Samuel. 

2.  Where  in  the  story  of  Hannah  (1  Sam.  1)  is  there  evidence 
of  faith?  Compare  Hannah's  song  (1  Sam.  2)  with  the  "Mag- 
nificat," Luke  1 :46-55. 

Note  that  Samuel  is  an  illustration  of  the  fact  that  God  has 
dealings  with  the  young. 

3.  Read  in  order  Chap.  2:18,  26;  Chap.  3  7,  19)  and  4:1a.  What 
is  a  prophet?  Was  prediction  the  chief  work  of  a  prophet?  What 
place  did  prediction  have  in  the  work  of  a  prophet?  Read  Luke 
24  '.27. 

Personal  Thought:  "Now  Samuel  did  not  yet  know  the  Lord." 
But  he  knew  about  the  Lord.  Do  I  merely  know  about  the  Lord, 
or  have  I  a  personal  acquaintance  with  Him? 


58        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  9:    SAMUEL,  THE  JUDGE  AND  PROPHET 


2d  Day:    §  30.    Invasion  of  the  Philistines;  Judgment  on  the 
House  of  Eli  (i  Sam.  4:16 — 4:22) 

§  31.    The  Ark  of  God  (i  Sam.  5:1—7:1) 

§  32.    The  Gathering  at  Mizpah;   Ebenezer   (i   Sam. 
7:2-17) 

"Thou  must  be  true  thyself 
If  thou  the  truth  wouldst  teach; 
Thy  soul  must  overflow  if  thou 
Another's  soul  would  reach." 

"The  signal  downfall  of  the  nation  which  took  place  in  Samuel's 
day, — when  the  ark,  the  symbol  of  the  people's  unity,  was  captured 
by  the  Philistines, — prepared  the  way  for  a  great  change.  Samuel 
became  a  judge  in  a  different  sense  from  his  predecessors.  He 
was  not  a  mere  warrior  or  hero  raised  up  to  put  down  a  particular 
foe.  He  was  the  restorer  of  the  whole  land ;  one  who  brought 
the  different  parts  of  it  into  connection  with  each  other, — who  made 
them  feel  the  blessings  of  a  common  organization, — the  necessity 
and  happiness  of  being  subject  to  government,  the  misery  of  a 
condition  of  things  in  which  each  man  did  that  which  was  right  in 
his  own  eyes." — Maurice,  in  Prophets  and  Kings. 

1.  Samuel  stands  a  most  conspicuous  example  of  faith,  patience, 
integrity,  self-sacrifice  and  intercession.  From  now  until  the  end 
of  this  Study,  keep  these  five  characteristics  in  mind  and  note  on  a 
slip  of  paper  how  they  are  emphasized. 

2.  The  work  for  today  is  to  account  for  the  defeat  of  Israel 
recorded  in  1  Samuel  4th  chapter.  Read  the  story  and  give  your 
opinion.     Look  in  Chapter  2,  also  in  Chapter  7  for  an  explanation. 

3.  Read  Jeremiah  6:9-14;  Psalm  78:55-66. 

Personal  Thought:  "Serve  Him  only  and  He  will  deliver  you." 
Is  this  true  of  individuals  as  well  as  of  nations?  Does  it  help 
explain  any  bondage  in  my  own  life? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        59 
STUDY  9:     SAMUEL,  THE  JUDGE  AND  PROPHET 


3d  Day:    §  30.    Invasion  of  the  Philistines;  Judgment  on  the 
House  of  Eli   (i  Sam.  4:1b — 4:22) 

§  31.    The  Ark  of  God  (i  Sam.  5:1 — 7:1) 

§  32.    The  Gathering  at  Mizpah  ;   Ebenezer   (i   Sam. 
7:2-17) 

"Here  on  earth  the  influence  of  one  who  asks  a  favor  for  others 
depends  entirely  on  his  character,  and  the  relationship  he  bears  to 
him  with  whom  he  is  interceding.  It  is  what  he  is  that  gives 
weight  to  what  he  asks.  It  is  not  otherwise  with  God.  Our  power 
in  prayer  depends  upon  our  life.  Where  our  life  is  right  we 
shall  know  how  to  pray  so  as  to  please  God,  and  prayer  will 
secure  the  answer.  The  man  who  is  ready  to  risk  all  for  God  can 
count  upon  God  to  do  all  for  him." — Murray. 

1.  The  lesson  of  chapters  4  and  7  is  so  important  that  today 
will  be  given  to  it.  In  chapter  4  we  saw  yesterday  the  result  to 
Israel  of  being  in  the  wrong  place ;  in  chapter  7  we  see  the  result 
of  being  in  the  right  place.  Samuel  here  is  a  striking  illustration 
of  the  large  influence  with  men  and  with  God  which  one  may 
have  who   is   right   with   God. 

Read  the  7th  chapter  thoughtfully,  checking  what  impresses  you. 
Read  again  the  opening  sentence  by  Murray,  and  afterwards  note 
what  follows  on  this  page. 

2.  Observe  that  in  Chap.  4  :3  the  ark  is  spoken  of  as  the  de- 
liverer, and  that  in  Chap.  7  :3  Samuel's  words  are :  "Prepare  your 
hearts  unto  the  Lord  and  serve  Him  only ;  and  He  will  deliver  you." 
You  should  not  miss  noting  the  effect  of  the  presence  of  the  ark 
in  Philistia.  For  this  glance  at  contents  of  Chaps.  5  and  6.  "The 
glory  which  had  departed  from  Israel,  was  vindicated  in  the 
darkness  and  solitude  of  the  temple  of  Dagon." 

Personal  Thought:  Can  I  look  back  to  one  or  more  definite 
experiences  in  which  God's  hand  was  signally  manifested  in  re- 
sponse to  prayer?  Did  I  pause  and  devoutly  acknowledge  the 
help  of  God  on  such  occasions?  Is  my  present  prayer  life  satisfac- 
tory? Do  I  prevail  for  others?  Do  people  recognize  me  as  an 
intercessor  and  when  in  trouble  ask  me  to  pray  for  them? 


60        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  9:    SAMUEL,   THE  JUDGE  AND   PROPHET 


4th  Day:    §  33.    The  Request  of  the  People  for  a  King  (i  Sam. 
8:1-22) 

"Think   truly,  and  thy  thoughts 
Shall  some  soul's  famine  feed ; 
Speak  truly,  and  each  word  of  thine 
Shall    be    a    fruitful    seed ; 
Live  truly,  and  thy  life  shall  be 
A  grand  and  noble  creed." 

1.  Thoughtfully  read  1  Sam.  Chap.  8,  checking  in  the  margin 
what  impresses  you. 

Did  you  notice:  (1)  The  expression  twice  used,  "like  all  the 
nations"?  (2)  Did  this  consideration  have  greater  weight  with 
the  people  than  the  conduct  of  Samuel's  sons?  In  order  better  to 
estimate  the  character  of  Samuel's  sons  read  again  v.  3,  and  dwell 
for  a  moment  upon  the  type  of  man  here  described.  Do  you  know 
of  any  who  do  the  same  today?  What  must  follow  toleration  of 
political  corruption? 

2.  Compare  the  plea  of  the  people  in  Chap.  8  and  the  words 
"like  all  the  nations"  with  Numbers  23  :g,  and  Deut.  33*28,  29, 
where  it  is  declared  that  the  glory  and  happiness  of  Israel  is  to  be 
their  unlikeness  to  other  nations  in  having  the  Lord  for  their 
King  and  Lawgiver. 

Note  the  self-will  of  the  people— their  determination  at  all  haz- 
ards to  have  a  king  and  the  fact  that  Samuel  was  directed  to  yield 
to  their  demand.  Recall  the  scene  at  Mt.  Sinai  and  note  that 
the  people  there  freely  chose  Jehovah  to  be  their  king.  It  might 
be  well  to  glance  over  Exodus  19  and  24  to  get  this  clearer. 
This  is  worthy  of  special  note  as  it  shows  how  in  contrast  with 
other  nations  of  antiquity,  in  Israel,  the  people  had  a  controlling 
voice  in  the  election  of  their  rulers. 

Read   v.   22.    Why   this   dismissal?     Read    Deut.    17:14-20. 

Recalling  your  thought  about  the  functions  of  a  prophet,  test  its 
accuracy  by  the  part  which  Samuel  is  here  in  Chap.  8  represented 
as  taking,  and  compare  Ex.  7:1. 

Personal  Thought  :  "That  we  also  may  be  like  all  the  nations." 
Does  fear  of  being  counted  peculiar  ever  swerve  me  from  the  known 
path  of  rectitude?  Shall  I  today  yield  to  the  temptation  to  do 
wrong  on  the  plea  that  "they  all  do  it"? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT,  CHARACTERS        61 
STUDY  9:    SAMUEL,   THE  JUDGE  AND   PROPHET 


5th  Day:  §  34.  The  Anointing,  Election,  and  Establishment 
of  Saul  as  King  (i  Sam.  9:1—11:15) 
"Samuel  belonged  to  a  transition  period.  It  was  appointed  to 
him  to  pilot  the  nation  between  two  stages  of  its  history;  from  a 
republic  to  a  monarchy;  from  a  condition  of  somewhat  casual  and 
indefinite  arrangements  to  one  of  more  systematic  and  orderly  gov- 
ernment. The  great  object  of  his  life  was  to  secure  that  this  change 
should  be  made  in  the  way  most  beneficial  for  the  nation. 

"Samuel  was  the  last  of  the  judges,  and  in  a  sense  the  first  of 
the  prophets.  The  last  of  the  judges,  but  not  a  military  judge;  not 
ruling  like  Samson  by  physical  strength,  but  by  high  spiritual  quali- 
ties and  prayer.  In  this  respect  his  function  as  judge  blended  with 
his  work  as  prophet.  Samuel  was  the  first  of  a  succession  of 
prophets  whom  God  placed  side  by  side  with  the  kings  and 
priests  of  Israel  to  supply  that  fresh  moral  and  spiritual  force 
which  the  prevailing  worldliness  of  the  one  and  formalism  of  the 
other  rendered  so  necessary  for  the  great  ends  for  which  Israel  was 
chosen.  With  some  fine  exceptions,  the  kings  and  priests  would 
have  allowed  the  seed  of  Abraham  to  drift  away  from  the  whole 
purpose  for  which  God  had  called  them;  conformity  to  the  world 
in  spirit  if  not  in  form  was  the  prevailing  tendency;  the  prophets 
were  raised  up  to  hold  the  nation  firmly  to  the  covenant,  to  vindi- 
cate the  claims  of  the  heavenly  King,  to  thunder  judgments  against 
idolatry  and  all  rebellion,  and  pour  words  of  comfort  into  the 
hearts  of  all  who  were  faithful  to  their  God,  and  who  looked  for 
redemption  in  Israel."— Blaikie,  in  Expositors'  Bible. 

1.  With  care  read  Chaps.  9,  10,  looking  specially  for  the  revela- 
tion of  character  in  Samuel  which  they  give,  and  also  for  the 
evidence  and  method  of  the  providential  government  of  God  in 
the  world.  Read  1  Cor.  13:4-7,  and  note  how  Samuel  was  an 
illustration  of  their  truth. 

2.  Think  for  a  moment  what  the  occasion  was  for  the  various 
signs  given  to  Samuel.  After  you  have  decided  upon  this,  read 
Chap.  9:21. 

Personal    Thought:     "The    thing    displeased    Samuel and 

Samuel  prayed  unto  the  Lord."  Do  I  pray  when  I  am  displeased? 
Is  it  a  habit  with  me  to  resort  to  God  in  prayer  when  in  any  diffi- 
culty? 


62         STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  9:    SAMUEL,  THE  JUDGE  AND   PROPHET 


6th  Day:    §  34.    The  Anointing,  Election,  and  Establishment 
of  Saul  as  King   (i  Sam.  9:1—11:15) 
§  35.    Samuel's    Farewell    (i    Sam.    12:1-25) 

"The   old   order  changeth,   yielding  place   to   new, 
And  God  fulfils  Himself  in  many  ways." 

"The  last  representative  of  the  old  Judges,  the  first  of  the  regu- 
lar succession  of  Prophets,  the  inaugurator  of  the  new  monarchy, 
Samuel  occupied  the  most  trying  of  all  positions,  to  stand  between 
the  Old  and  the  New,  and  to  mediate  successfully  between  them. 
He  lived  from  one  age  into  another,  and  threw  his  full  sympathy — 
most  difficult  of  achievements — into  the  wants  of  both  periods. 
His  sublime  figure  stands  out  in  the  pages  of  Holy  Writ  as  a 
signal  example  of  Faith,  of  Patience,  of  Integrity,  of  Self-sacrifice, 
through  a  long  and  trying  career,  fulfilling  the  promise  of  those 
early  days  in  Shiloh  when  'he  grew  on,  and  was  in  favor  both  with 
the  Lord,  and  also  with  men!'" — Kirkpatrick,  in  Cambridge  Bible 
Commentary. 

Look  in  Chaps.  11  and  12  of  1  Samuel  for  the  occasion  and 
fact  of  Saul's  establishment  on  the  throne,  and  for  Samuel's 
improvement  of  opportunity  to  do  the  work  of  the  true  prophet. 

2.  Compare  Samuel's  warnings  at  Ramah  (Chap.  8),  and  at 
Mizpah  (Chap.  10),  with  those  at  Gilgal  (Chap.  12).  Why  did  he 
return  to  the  same  subject  and  enlarge  upon  it  as  he  did?  How 
on  this  last  occasion  did  he  give  weight  to  the  counsels  which  he 
pressed  upon  the  people?  Why  did  he  make  such  explicit  reference 
to  his  own  past  life?  Does  good  advice  depend  for  acceptance 
alone  upon  its  intrinsic  excellence?  Has  not  the  personality  of  the 
giver  of  advice  something  to  do  with  acceptance? 

3.  Take  a  little  time  for  quiet  thought  about  Samuel  as  you  have 
learned  to  know  him.  Have  you  any  fault  to  find  with  him?  What 
was  his  distinguishing  trait  of  character?  What  was  the  secret  of 
his  influence?  In  what  respects  did  he  mold  his  age?  Did  his 
age  much  mold  him?  What  most  molded  him?  Who  most  mold- 
ed him?  How  did  he  further  the  preparation  of  the  world  for 
Christ? 

Personal  Thought:  "As  long  as  he  liveth  he  is  granted  unto 
the  Lord."  These  are  the  words  of  dedication  of  Samuel  by  his 
mother.  His  life  shows  how  fully  Samuel  entered  into  the  realiza- 
tion of  the  grant  of  his  mother.  Is  my  life  fully  and  forever 
given  to  God? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        63 
STUDY  9:    SAMUEL,   THE  JUDGE  AND   PROPHET 


7th  Day:     General  Summary  of  the  Character  of  Samuel 

1.  Few  historical  characters  are  so  worthy  as  Samuel  of  close 
study.  Give  your  time  today  to  thought  about  him  as  he  is  re- 
vealed in  1  Sam.  Chaps.  1 — 12. 

2.  Recall  the  meaning  of  the  name  Samuel  and  the  reason  for 
its  choice  (1  Sam.  Chap.  1:20).  Is  there  any  feature  of  Samuel's 
career  more  prominent  than  his  prayer-life?  Go  through  the 
record  again  with  this  in  mind,  noting  the  occasions,  the  objects, 
and  the  results  of  Samuel's  prayers.  Review  again  the  two  not- 
able  instances    of    intercession   recorded    in    Chaps.    7 — 12. 

3.  In  estimating  the  influences  which  entered  into  the  formation 
of  the  character  of  Samuel,  is  any  to  be  placed  before  that  of  his 
mother?  If  not  pressed  for  time,  review  here  the  lesson  on  the 
method  of  the  prayer  of  faith  which  is  given  in  1  Sam.  Chap.  1.  First 
read  vv.  10,  12,  19,  27.  Read  the  following  references  and  attempt  to 
express  in  a  word  or  two  the  thought  of  each  as  related  to  prayer, 
e.  g.,  Real  want,  Definiteness,  etc.:  (1)  vv.  2,  6,  7;  (2)  vv.  10, 
11;  (3)  v.  11;  (4)  v.  12;  (5)  v.  13;  (6)  v.  18;  (7)  w.  19,  20;  (8) 
v.  20;   (9)  vv.  22,  24;  (10)  v.  27;   (11)  v.  28;   (12)  2:1-10. 

Personal  Thought:  "Prayer  is  not  merely  the  cry  of  the  sup- 
pliant for  mercy;  it  is  the  highest  forth-putting  of  his  will  by  man, 
knowing  himself  to  be  of  divine  origin,  created  for  and  capable  of 
being,  in  king-like  liberty,  the  executor  of  the  counsels  of  the  Eter- 
nal."— Murray.  Have  I  begun  to  know  the  secret  of  prevailing 
with  God  in  prayer? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  10 :    SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


ist  Day:    §  36.    Saul's   Wars    with   the    Philistines    (i    Sam. 
13:1—14:46,   52) 

"I  am  glad  to  think 
I  am  not  bound  to  make  the  wrong  go  right, 
But  only  to  discover  and  to  do, 
With  cheerful  heart,  the  work  that  God  appoints." 

— Jean  Ingelow. 

1.  The  central  thought  for  today  is  the  disobedience  of  Saul 
and  its  disastrous  results. 

Read  1  Sam.  13 :5-i5.  Re-read  v.  8  and  read  1  Sam.  10 :8. 
This  command  probably  was  repeated.  Saul  had  been  chosen  by 
Jehovah  to  deliver  Israel,  but  was  not  at  liberty  to  begin  the 
war  until  commissioned  by  Samuel.  "It  was  really  a  test  whereby 
should  be  proved  whether  the  king  was  a  theocratic  ruler  or  a 
self-willed  despot,  whether  he  would  take  his  directions  from  the 
co-ordinate  authority  of  the  inspired  prophet,  or  be  guided  by  his 
own  will  and  caprice.  The  working  of  the  two  independent  pow- 
ers, the  regal  and  the  prophetic,  was  tried  by  the  order  in  question." 
— Deane.  Note  that  Samuel  departed  without  any  apparent  pro- 
test on  the  part  of  Saul.  What  does  this  suggest  as  to  the  state  of 
Saul's  mind?  As  you  proceed  remember  that  Saul  went  warring 
against  the  Philistines  at  his  own  charges. 

2.  Saul's  characteristic  impatience,  and  failure  to  wait  on  God, 
is  seen  in  Chap.  14:19,  20.  The  same  is  manifest  in  14:36  where 
the  priest  checks  him.  Read  v.  36  and  v.  46.  The  Philistines  were 
not  exterminated  as  Saul  suggested.  He  at  last  fell  on  his  own 
sword  to  escape  their  cruelty.  This  campaign  was  a  failure  in 
spite  of  Saul's  best  efforts.  The  victory  in  it  was  due  to  another 
who  ventured  in  faith  in  God.  Read  14  :6.  The  rash  oath  which 
brought  only  disaster,  suggests  that  Saul  was  desperate  and  growing 
in  a  determination  to  win  in  spite  of  Samuel's  desertion. 

Personal  Thought:  Saul's  emergency  was  great  but  he  ought 
to  have  waited  for  Samuel.  Does  any  emergency,  however  great, 
justify  me  in  violating  the  will  of  God?  Do  I  ever  attempt,  as 
Saul  did,  to  go  on  and  win  in  spite  of  conscious  desertion  by 
God?  How  essential  to  my  daily  living  do  I  consider  a  conscience 
void  of  offense  to  be? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        65 
STUDY  10:    SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


2d  Day:     §  37.    The  Rejection  of  Saul  (i  Sam.  i5'-i-35) 

"We  may  never  go  back,  but  there  is  a  point  from  which  we  may 
never  go  upward." 

1.  The  lesson  of  the  passage  for  today  is  perfectly  plain.  Read 
1  Sam.  15:1-35,  making  record  of  striking  thoughts  and  impres- 
sions, being  on  guard  not  to  miss  the  great  central  teaching  sum- 
marized in  v.  22.  What  was  the  point  in  Saul's  life  from  which 
he  could  not  go  upward?  Get  vividly  before  you  this  interview 
between  the  consistent,  faithful  Samuel  and  the  guilty,  wavering, 
evasive  Saul.     It  is  a  battle  of  giants. 

2.  The  following  is  from  Note  v.  of  the  Appendix  of  the  Cam- 
bridge Bible  on  1  Sam.,  by  Kirkpatrick.  Its  bearing  on  today's  text 
will  be  apparent :  "The  'moral  difficulty'  of  the  exterminating  wars 
of  the  Israelites  is  admirably  treated  by  Prof.  Mozley  in  his  lectures 
on  the  Old  Testament,  entitled  Ruling  Ideas  in  Early  Ages.  (See 
especially  Lectures  IV.  and  X.)  Such  wars,  involving  the  innocent 
along  with  the  guilty  in  a  common  destruction,  are  incompatible 
not  only  with  the  law  of  love,  but  with  the  idea  of  justice  taught 
by  the  gospel.  How,  it  is  asked,  could  they  ever  have  been  com- 
manded by  God?  It  is  replied  that  God  is  the  author  of  life  and 
death,  and  that  He  has  the  right  at  any  time  to  deprive  any  num- 
ber of  His  creatures  of  life,  whether  by  the  natural  instrumentality 
of  pestilence  or  famine,  or  by  the  express  employment  of  man  as  the 
instrument  of  destruction.  This  is  Butler's  defence  in  his  Anal- 
ogy, Part  II,  Ch.  3.  This  as  an  abstract  defence  is  unquestionably 
true,  nor  can  it  be  denied  that  as  soon  as  a  divine  command  to 
exterminate  a  whole  people  becomes  known  to  another  people, 
they  have  not  only  the  right,  but  are  under  the  strictest  obligations 
to  execute  such  a  command.  Mozley's  Ruling  Ideas,  p.  84.  To 
some  minds  such  a  command  seems  strange  and  perplexing,  but  it 
must  be  remembered  that  there  are  times  when  a  signal  demon- 
stration of  divine  justice  is  needed  for  mankind  in  the  interests 
of  morality;  that  there  are  times  when  stern  judgment  is  the  truest 
mercy ;  and  that  the  penalty  of  premature  physical  death  is  by  no 
means  the  most  terrible  fate  which  can  overtake  men  even  in  this 
world.  But  the  difficulty  still  remains,  how  a  nation  could  be  con- 
vinced that  it  was  to  be  the  executioner  of  God's  judgments, 
and  how  it  could  execute  them  in  so  terrible  a  way  without  injury 


66        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  10 :    SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


2d  Day:    §  37.    The  Rejection  of  Saul — Continued.  (1  Sam.  15: 
1-35) 

to  its  moral  consciousness.  The  solution  is  to  be  found  in  the 
defective  Oriental  idea  of  justice.  The  destruction  of  a  nation 
for  the  sin  of  its  ancestors,  or  of  a  family  for  the  offence  of  its 
head,  was  a  common  Oriental  practice.  It  was  not  repugnant  to  the 
current  sense  of  right.  This  indiscriminating  kind  of  vengeance 
was  due  to  the  defective  sense  of  human  individuality,  the  want 
of  a  true  perception  of  the  rights  and  responsibilities  of  each 
man  as  an  independent  being.  This  feeling  was,  no  doubt,  shared 
by  the  Israelites.  But  with  them  such  acts  were  expressly  pro- 
hibited as  a  part  of  ordinary  judicial  procedure  (Deut.  24:16), 
and  in  this  respect  they  were  on  a  higher  level  than  other  Oriental 
nations.  But  when  God  saw  fit  by  the  mouth  of  a  prophet  who 
was  recognized  as  His  accredited  messenger  to  enjoin  the  execu- 
tion of  such  a  sentence,  there  was  no  moral  resistance  to  it.  It 
could  be  accepted  without  hesitation  as  coming  from  God,  and 
executed  without  any  violation  of  their  sense  of  justice.  Such 
commands  were  an  'accommodation'  to  the  moral  and  religious  state 
of  the  nation  to  which  they  were  given.  Revelation  is  progressive, 
and  God's  dealings  with  the  chosen  people,  while  designed  to  raise 
and  educate  them,  were  necessarily  conditioned  by  their  moral  state 
at  any  given  period.  It  need  hardly  be  said  that  such  commands 
are  inconceivable  under  the  gospel  dispensation." 

Return  in  thought  to  the  interview  between  Samuel  and  Saul 
before  considering  the  Personal  Thought. 

Personal  Thought:  Is  my  manner  of  life  such  that  I  am  afraid 
to  be  confronted  concerning  it  by  a  man  of  God?  What  wilfulness, 
or  carelessness  or  self-seeking  am  I  hiding  from  myself  or  others 
by  punctiliousness  in  religious  observance?  Let  me  judge  myself 
that  I  may  not  be  judged. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        67 
STUDY  10:    SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


3d  Day:    §  38.    The  Anointing,  Advancement,  and  Popularity 
of  David  (i  Sam.  16:1 — 18:9) 

"Investment  by  God  with  authority  is  the  supreme  test  of  charac- 
ter." 

1.  Read  1  Sam.  16:2,  14,  23;  18:8,  9.  What  light  do  these  pas- 
sages throw  upon  the  character  of  Saul?  Saul's  eyeing  David 
indicates  that  he  recognized  him  as  the  successor  to  the  throne  of 
whom  Samuel  had  spoken.  There  is  no  need  to  suppose  that  he 
knew   that    Samuel   had   anointed    David. 

2.  Read  1  Sam.  13:14,  and  be  watching  for  characteristics  in 
David  which  mark  him  as  worthy  of  this  description.  Does  this 
passage  refer  to  characteristics  or  to  a  characteristic?  If  the 
latter  is  meant,  what  was  it?  Read  Acts  13:22.  Note  the  last 
clause.  What  was  the  most  striking  characteristic  of  Saul?  What 
was  the  spirit  of  the  people  which  demanded  Saul?  Were  the  peo- 
ple given  a  king  after  their  own  heart?  What  was  the  most  strik- 
ing characteristic  of  David's  greater  son?  Read  John  4:34;  Heb. 
10:5-7.     Read  Psalm  89:20a. 

3.  It  is  impossible  to  treat  here  many  of  the  difficulties  which 
may  be  suggested.  For  explanations,  consult  available  Bible  helps. 
But  do  not  take  the  time  of  your  morning  devotional  hour  for  this. 
Might  not  help  on  difficult  points  often  be  sought  in  interviews  with 
professors,  ministers  and  godly  Christian  acquaintances?  The  Cam- 
bridge Bible  is  recommended  to  any  desiring  to  purchase  a  brief, 
valuable,  cheap  commentary  on  the  books  of  Samuel.  See  this 
help  in  loc.  for  explanations  of  (1)  16:2b;  (2)  16:14b,  23a;  (3) 
the  two  accounts  of  David's  introduction  to  court,  etc. 

This  §  38  is  again  taken  up  on  page  72  in  Study  11. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth;  for 
man  looketh  on  the  outward  appearance,  but  the  Lord  looketh  on 
the  heart."  In  living  is  it  my  aim  to  please  men  or  God?  What 
place  has  the  cultivation  of  my  heart-life  in  my  thought?  How 
may  I  henceforth  more  rapidly  advance  in  true  soul  culture? 


68         STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  10 :    SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


4th  Day:    §  39.    Saul's  Early  Attempts  on  David's  Life  (i  Sam. 
18:10 — 20:42) 

"Envy  at  other's  good  is  evermore 
Malignant  poison  sitting  on  the  soul; 
A   double  woe  to  him  infected  with  it. 
Of  inward  pain  the  heavy  load  he  bears, 
At  sight  of  joy  zvithout,  he  ever  mourns." 

1.  The  section  for  today  most  strikingly  contrasts  Saul  and  Jon- 
athan, his  son  and  heir  apparent  to  the  throne,  in  their  treatment  of 
David,  whom  both  recognized  as  the  coming  king.  Read  1  Sam. 
20:13-17,  and  vv.  30-34. 

In  Saul's  efforts  to  destroy  David,  we  have  a  signal  illustration 
of  God's  method  of  making  the  wrath  of  man  to  praise  Him,  and 
to  work  out  His  own  wise  purposes;  e.  g.,  when  Saul  appointed 
David  over  a  thousand  it  was  in  the  hope  of  having  him  cut  down 
in  battle,  but  the  result  was  a  decided  gain  for  David  in  the  esteem 
of  the  people,  and  in  discipline  for  the  future.  Be  looking  for  oth- 
er illustrations  of  this  principle. 

There  is  manifest  in  Saul  a  strange  but  natural  conflict  between 
the  better  impulses  of  his  nature  and  the  worse.  Because  of  the 
former,  which  prevailed  in  his  saner  moments,  and  on  account  of 
public  opinion,  he  retained  David  in  his  service. 

As  you  read  today,  note  to  what  cowardly  and  treacherous  hypoc- 
risy Saul's  jealousy  reduced  him.  This  day's  study  should  lead  to 
faithful  self-examination  to  discover  if  this  soul's  poison  is  within. 

2.  With  the  care  which  your  time  will  permit,  read  1  Sam.  Chap. 
20,  recording  the  most  striking  thoughts. 

This  §  39  is  again  taken  up  on  page  73  in  Study  II. 

Personal  Thought:  Do  I  recognize  the  fact  that  a  man  can 
receive  nothing  except  it  be  given  him  of  God?  Do  I  envy  any- 
body? Do  I  appreciate  the  greatness  of  the  sin  of  envy  and  the 
danger  one  is  in  who  is  wrongly  jealous?  What  are  the  roots  of 
envy?  What  is  God's  way  for  one  to  win  victory  over  envious 
and  jealous  thoughts? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        69 
STUDY  10:    SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


5th  Day:     §  40.    David's  Life  as  an  Exile  (i  Sam.  20:1 — 27:12; 
1  Chron.  12:1-18) 

"Envy  is  the  daughter  of  Pride,  the  author  of  Murder  and  Re- 
venge, the  perpetual  tormentor  of-  Virtue.  Envy  is  the  filthy  slime 
of  the  soul;  a  venom,  a  poison,  a  quicksilver,  which  consumeth  the 
flesh  and  drieth  up  the  bones." — Socrates. 

1.  We  shall  examine  the  section  for  its  revelation  of  Saul,  return- 
ing to  it  later  in  our  study  of  David.  First  of  all  read  1  Sam. 
Chaps.  18:9;  20:30,  31;  22:6-8;  23:16-18;  24:20,  21;  26:25. 

2.  From  these  passages  it  is  perfectly  clear  that  Saul  was  re- 
sisting the  known  will  of  God  in  fighting  against  David.  Read 
again  24  :20,  21,  noting  the  words,  "I  know  that  thou  shalt  surely 
be  king."  Study  Saul  as  contrasted  with  Jonathan  in  the  following 
passages:     1   Sam.  19:1-7;   1   Sam.  23:16-18. 

You  have  now  the  key  to  the  situation.  May  Saul's  life  be  a 
real  warning  to  every  student  of  these  pages.  He  fails  who  fights 
against  God. 

This  §  40  is  again  taken  up  on  pages  74  and  75  in  Study  11. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  batttle  of  life  is  the  battle  between 
self-will  and  God's  will,  and  that  man  is  placed  under  serious,  and 
oftentimes  hopeless,  disability  who  fails  to  win  the  great  victory 
over  the  self-will  in  the  time  of  his  youth." — Robert  Tuck.  Have  I 
yet  won  this  battle?  How  much  real  thought  have  I  given  to  the 
secret  of  victory  over  self?  In  what  particular  is  my  will  most 
prone  to  come  into  conflict  with  God's  will  ?  Am  I  on  special  guard 
there? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY   10 :     SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


6th  Day:    §  41.    Closing  Scenes  of  Saul's  Life  (i   Sam.  28:1— 
31:13) 
"Flecteri    si    nequeo    superos,    Acheronta   morebo." — Virgil. 
"If  heaven  bend  not,  I  will  stir  hell  beneath." 

1.  "It  should  be  carefully  noticed  that  the  people  came  to  Samuel 
after  they  had  made  up  their  minds.  They  did  not  consult  him; 
they  did  not  even  ask  for  a  king ;  they  demanded  one.  It  is  of  much 
significance  that  twice  over  their  demanding  is  indicated.  The 
thing  displeased  Samuel  when  they  said,  Give  us  a  king  to  judge  us.' 
The  people  manifested  the  spirit  of  self-will,  and  the  self-will  of 
the  people  was  punished  by  giving  them  a  self-willed  king.  The 
supreme  lesson  of  the  age  of  Saul  is  the  sin  of  self-will." — Robert 
Tuck. 

Read  Deut.  18  19-19.     Note  the  contrast  between  the  expressions 

in  vv.   14,   15:     "These  nations  hearken  unto  them, unto  Him 

shall  ye  hearken."     Read  Isaiah  8:19,  20. 

2.  Read  1  Sam.  15:22,  23,  and  1  Sam.  28:3,  9.  A  comparison 
of  these  paragraphs  will  show  that  formerly  Saul  had  made  a 
vigorous  campaign  against  witches.  Knowing  this,  the  words  of 
Samuel  in  15:22,  23  have  new  meaning.  (Be  sure  you  get  it  before 
passing  on.)  Consider  in  the  light  of  Saul's  former  attitude  to- 
ward wizards,  how  utterly  abandoned  he  had  become.  Read  28:10. 
"Self-willed  even  in  the  depth  of  his  despair,  the  king,  abandoning 
hope  in  God,  deliberately  makes  evil  his  good,  and  with  his  eyes 
open  (for  if  Saul  believed  in  the  woman's  power  at  all  he  must 
have  believed  it  evil,  v.  3)  turns  to  hell  for  aid." — Andrew  Wood. 

Read  Chap.  28  :6,  7.  Contrast  his  action  here  with  that  of  Chap. 
14  :38,  and  note  the  evidence  of  the  hardening  process  which  lay 
between.  To  what  straits  has  the  noble  Saul  now  come!  Read 
Chap.  28:5.  The  scene  is  enough  to  make  one  weep.  How  ter- 
rible in  its  effect  is  sin  tolerated  in  the  heart!  It  will  lead  one 
to  plunge  knowingly  into  destruction. 

This  §  41  is  again  taken  up  on  page  75  in  Study  II. 

Personal  Thought:    "The  Lord  is  departed  from  thee,  and  has 

become  thine  adversary because  thou  obeyedst  not  the  voice 

of  the  Lord."  What  effect  has  the  study  of  the  life  of  Saul  had  as 
a  warning  to  me  against  disobedience  to  God?  Read  here  the 
personal  thought  of  yesterday. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        71 
STUDY   10:     SAUL,  THE  REJECTED  OF  THE  LORD 


7th  Day:    §  41.    Closing  Scenes  of  Saul's  Life  (i  Sam.  28:1 — 
31:13) 

"Except  the  Lord  build  the  house 
They  labor  in  vain  that  build  it: 
Except  the  Lord  keep  the  city, 
The  watchman  waketh  but  in  vain." — Psalm  127:1. 

1.  Read  1  Sam.  28 125.  "Of  Saul's  feelings  at  this  momentous 
crisis  we  can  judge  only  by  his  recorded  actions.  He  showed  no 
repentance,  no  softening  of  the  heart  at  the  predicted  ruin  of  all  his 
hopes;  certain  of  death,  he  shrank  not  from  the  contest;  'in  stolid 
desperation  he  went  to  meet  his  doom.'  " — Deane. 

Re-read  28 :25b.  Cf.  John  13  '.30  and  Augustine's  comment. 
"Nox  erat,  et  ipse  qui  exivit  erat  nox."  (It  was  night,  and  he  who 
went  out  was  night.") 

Read  1   Sam.  Chap.  31. 

2.  Samples  of  Saul's  repentances  are  found  in  I  Sam.  15:24; 
19:6;  24:16,  and  26:21.  Discover  from  the  context  of  each  pas- 
sage whether  they  were  considered  genuine.  Did  David  trust  his 
word?  See  especially  in  connection  with  the  third  passage  above 
(24:22).    Had  David  been  deceived  before? 

Trace  the  cowardice  of  sin  in  Saul,  and  the  distress  at  last  into 
which  sin  brings  one.  See  17:11;  18:29;  28:5,  20>  3*  'A-  Read 
Proverbs  1 :24~30. 

Personal  Thought:  Saul  was  rejected  because  he  refused  to 
obey  God.  The  lesson  of  his  awful  failure  is :  "To  obey  is  better 
than  sacrifice."  Let  me  think  for  a  moment  to  what  extent,  if  at 
all,  I  am  making  the  fatal  mistake  of  trying  to  make  amends  for 
failure  to  obey  God  by  external,  formal  worship. 


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ist  Day:  §  38.  The  Anointing,  Advancement  and  Popularity 
of  David  (I  Sam.  16:1 — 18:9) 
"A  biography  should  be  read  with  an  endeavor  to  find  out  what 
were  the  vital  forces  of  the  man,  and  what  the  leading  principles 
that  ruled  and  toned  his  conduct  and  relations.  Find  the  one  thing 
that  most  impresses  you  in  every  life,  and  that  will  suggest  the 
message  God  meant  to  send  by  making,  endowing  and  guiding  that 
man." — Tuck. 

1.  The  following  outline  should  be  often  recalled  as  the  life  of 
David  is  studied: 

I.  David  until  the  death  of  Saul: 

1.  His  life  as  a  Shepherd. 

2.  His  life  as  a  Courtier. 

3.  His  life  as  an  Exile. 

II.  David's  Reign  over  Judah  at  Hebron. 

III.  David's  Reign  over  all  Israel  at  Jerusalem. 

1.  Period  of  Prosperity. 

2.  Period  of  Adversity. 

3.  Period  of  a  Measure  of  Tranquillity. 

2.  Read  the  headings  of  Chaps.  I-XV  in  the  Analytical  Outline. 
Read  the  titles  of  sections  under  Chaps.  XII-XV. 

3.  For  some  early  glimpses  of  David,  read  the  following  pas- 
sages: 1  Sam.  9:1,  2;  16:6-13;  16:17-21;  17:32-37;  17:45-47; 
18:1-5. 

For  a  late  glimpse  of  David,  read  1  Kings  2:1-4. 

4.  On  the  propriety  of  the  title  of  this  Study,  read  1  Sam.  13:13, 
14;  1  Kings  11:4;  Acts  13:22.  In  deciding  what  was  chiefly  in 
Samuel's  thought  when  he  used  the  words,  "The  Lord  hath  sought 
him  a  man  after  his  own  heart,"  do  not  fail  to  observe  that  he  was 
thinking  of  and  speaking  to  Saul.  Note  what  he  regarded  as  Saul's 
great  failure.     Read  again  1  Sam.  13:13,  14. 

Personal  Thought:    "The  Lord  seeth  not  as  man  seeth 

the  Lord  looketh  on  the  heart."  How  large  a  part  does  personal 
appearance,  social  position,  or  intellectual  attainment  have  in  my 
estimate  of  others?  Is  my  judgment  of  myself  and  other  men 
regulated  by  the  true  standard? 


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26.   Day:     §  39.     Saul's   Early   Attempts   on   David's    Life    (i 
Sam.  18:10—20:42) 

"To  act  the  part  of  a  true  friend  requires  more  conscientious  feel- 
ing than  to  fill  with  credit  and  complacency  any  other  station  or 
capacity  in  social  life." — Mrs.  Ellis. 

1.  The  section  contains  four  important  interviews,  in  every  one 
of  which  Jonathan  appears.  We  study  David  today  by  studying 
chiefly  his  friend.  The  order  and  limits  of  these  interviews  are 
given  below.  As  you  read  the  passages,  do  not  fail  to  give  full 
weight  to  the  fact  that  Jonathan  was  heir  apparent  to  the  throne. 
Was  ever  a  friend  so  disinterested?  (1)  1  Sam.  19:1-7;  (2)  I 
Sam.  20:1-23;  (3)  1  Sam.  20:27-34;  (4)  1  Sam.  20:41,  42. 

2.  "The  name  of  Jonathan  will  remain  forever  as  the  perfect  pat- 
tern of  friendship. — Kingsley. 

"The    possibilities    of    noble    and    self-denying    friendship    lie    in 

character It  was  religious  rather  than  natural  affinity  which 

brought    these    young    men    into    fellowship." (Read    here    1 

Sam.  14:6  and  17:47.)  "Such  self-sacrificing  love  was  only  pos- 
sible to  two  pious  souls Friendship  rises  into  its  full  dignity 

only    when    the    strain    of    life    brings    stern    testing    times 

Through  Jonathan  comes  to  us  this  divine  revelation :  True 
friendship  never  hesitates  at  self-sacrifice,  for  it  is  of  the  very  es- 
sence of  friendship  that  each  should  love  the  other  more  than  him- 
self, and  therefore  should  be  ready  to  'lay  down  his  life  for  his 
friend.' " — Tuck. 

Personal  Thought:  Jonathan  gave  place— he  laid  down  his 
life  for  his  friend.  "While  we  were  yet  sinners  Christ  died  for 
us"  (Rom.  5:8).  How  does  my  life  stand  the  test  of  my  best 
friend's  words:  "Ye  are  my  friends  if  ye  do  the  things  which  I 
command  you?" 


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STUDY     ii  :    DAVID,    THE    MAN    AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

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3d  Day:    §  40.    David's  Life  as  an  exile  (i  Sam.  21:1 — 27:12; 
1  Chron.  12:1-18) 

"God  doth  not  need 

Either  man's  work,  nor  His  own  gifts.    Who  best 

Bear  His  mild  yoke,  they  serve  Him  best.    His  state 

Is  kingly;  thousands  at  His  bidding  speed, 

And  post  o'er  land  and  ocean  without  rest. 

They  also  serve  who  only  stand  and  wait." — Milton. 

1.  Read  the  following  passages,  which  yield  much  in  the  way  of 
revealing  the  real  character  of  David.  Think,  as  you  read,  of  the 
expression,  "A  man  after  God's  own  heart"  1  Sam.  22:22,  23; 
23:2-4,  9-17;  24:3-15;  25:32,  33,  39;  26:7-11,  17-24.  "This  was 
the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  the  man  who  thoroughly  believed 
in  God  as  a  living  and  righteous  Being;  who  in  all  changes  of  for- 
tune clung  to  that  conviction;  who  could  act  upon  it,  live  upon  it; 
who  could  give  himself  up  to  God  to  use  him  as  He  pleased;  who 
could  be  little  or  great,  popular  or  contemptible,  just  as  God  saw 
fit  that  he  should  be ;  who  could  walk  on  in  darkness  secure  of 
nothing  but  this,  that  truth  must  prevail  at  last,  and  that  he  was 
sent  into  the  world  to  live  and  die  that  it  might  prevail ;  who  was 
certain  that  the  triumph  of  the  God  of  Heaven  would  be  for  the 
blessing  of  the   most  miserable  outcasts   upon   earth." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  How  fully  have  I  come  to  believe  and  to 
rest  m  the  assurance  that  if  I  quietly  and  faithfully  proceed  to  do 
my  duty  as  it  is  made  known  to  me,  no  one  can  prevent  my  coming 
to  the  place  and  doing  the  work  which  God  has  in  His  thought 
for  me? 


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STUDY     11:    DAVID,     THE    MAN    AFTER     GOD'S     OWN 

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4th  Day:    §  40.    David's  Life  as  an  Exile  (i  Sam.  21:1 — 27:12; 
1  Chron.  12:1-18) 

§  41.    Closing  Scenes  of  Saul's  Life  (i  Sam.  28:1— 
31:13) 

1.  "We  certainly  should  not  shrink  from  describing  David  in  the 
terms  in  which  the  Bible  itself  describes  him.  It  sets  before  us 
broadly  and  without  comment  just  the  temptations  which  a  man  in 
such  a  position  would  be  likely  to  fall  into, — and  leaves  it  to  our 
conscience,  enlightened  by  its  own  teaching,  to  say  when  he  did  or 
did  not  fall  into  them, — it  takes  still  more  pains  to  make  us  under- 
stand what  the  man  himself  was,  the  purpose  of  his  being,  the  light 
by  which  he  was  guided.  David  in  the  cave  of  Adullam,  amidst 
his  wild,  reckless  companions,  is  essentially  the  same  man  as  David 
in  the  sheepfolds,  or  David  fighting  the  Philistine.  He  had  not 
chosen  his  own  circumstances,  he  had  been  thrown  into  them.  He 
did  not  rebel  against  Saul.  He  did  not  deny  his  authority,  or  plot 
against  his  life  even  when  he  had  cast  him  off.  He  had  no  home, 
and  he  was  compelled  to  seek  one  where  he  could  find  it.  I  do  not 
know  where  a  better  home  could  have  been  provided  for  him  than 
among  these  men  in  distress,  in  debt,  in  discontent.  If  it  behooved 
a  ruler  to  know  the  heart  of  his  subjects,  their  sorrows,  their 
wrongs,  their  crimes ;  to  know  them  and  to  sympathize  with  them ; 
this  was  surely  as  precious  a  part  of  his  schooling,  as  the  solitude 
of  his  boyhood,  or  as  any  intercourse  he  had  with  easy  men  who 
had  never  faced  the  misery  of  the  world,  and  had  never  any  motive 
to, quarrel  with  its  laws." — Maurice. 

2.  With  the  suggestion  of  the  above  quotation  in  mind  about 
the  education  of  David  which  his  years  of  exile  life  afforded  him, 
read  1  Cm-on.  12:1-18;  10:1-14  and  as  far  into  1  Sam.  Chaps.  21 — 
31  :i3  as  your  time  will  permit,  not  forgetting  to  be  on  guard  against 
judging  David  by  standards  of  a  more  enlightened  age  than  his  own. 
In  reading  today  you  might  pass  over  the  portions  read  yesterday. 

Personal  Thought:  "And  David  said  in  his  heart,  I  shall  now 
perish  one  day  by  the  hand  of  Saul.  There  is  nothing  better  for 
me  than  that  I  should  escape  into  the  land  of  the  Philistines."  1 
Sam.  27:1.  Was  this  proper  reasoning?  Consider  it  in  the  light 
of  former  deliverances.     How  often  is  my  reasoning  like  this? 


76         STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     ii  :    DAVID,     THE    MAN    AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

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5th  Day:    §  42.    Psalms  Reflecting  David's  Life  as  a  Shepherd 
(Psalms  8,  19,  23,  29) 

'The  finest  poetry  was  first  experience." — Emerson. 

1.  Do  not  miss  the  point  that  in  Psalm  8  man's  greatness  in 
God's  plan  is  brought  out  in  contrast  with  his  physical  insig- 
nificance. This  may  be  called  The  Midnight  Hymn.  "One  thing 
seems  clear:  that  even  if  this  psalm  were  not  written  during  Da- 
vid's shepherd  life,  it  must,  at  least,  have  been  written  while  the 
memory  of  that  time  was  fresh  in  his  heart,  and  before  the  bitter 
experiences  of  his  later  years  had  bowed  and  saddened  his  spirit." 

2.  Compare  "Thy  heavens,  the  work  of  thy  fingers,"  Psalm  8,  and 
"The  firmament  showeth  his  handiwork,"  Psalm  19.  Read  Psalm 
19,  noting  as  you  do  so  the  progress  of  it  from,  (1)  the  external, 
vv.  1-6,  to  (2)  the  internal,  vv.  7-10,  to  (3)  a  personal  application, 
vv.  11-14.    This  Psalm  (19)  may  be  called  The  Sunrise  Hymn. 

3.  "I  do  not  suppose  that  the  Twenty-third  Psalm  was  written 
in  the  Psahnist's  childhood ;  but  it  is  at  least  a  reminiscence  of  it, 
and  brings  vividly  before  us  the  scenes  and  feelings  which  his 
memory  recalled  when  it  was  reverted  to  the  golden  morning  of  his 
youth." — Binnie. 

Compare  "Restoring  the  soul,"  Psalm  19,  and  "He  restoreth  my 
soul,"  Psalm  23.  Read  Psalm  23,  noting  the  marginal  reading  of  v. 
4,  and  allowing  this  to  suggest  the  continuation  of  the  figure  of  the 
shepherd  and  the  flock.  The  figure  of  the  host  takes  the  place  of 
that  of  the  shepherd  in  the  last  two  verses. 

4.  Psalm  29  may  be  called  The  Thunderstorm  Hymn.  Delitzsch 
calls  it  the  Psalm  of  the  Seven  Thunders.  It  begins  with  "Gloria 
in  Excelsis,"  and  ends  with  "Pax  in  Terris."  The  description  is 
so  vivid  that  the  direction  of  the  storm  may  be  traced.  Picture  the 
shepherd  receiving  the  impressions  of  this  scene  as  he  crouched  with 
his  sheep  under  some  rock  for  shelter.  There  was  evidently  a 
rainbow  after  this  storm  as  suggested  by  the  words:  "The  Lord 
sat  as  king  at  the  Flood." 

Personal  Thought:  "The  Lord  is  my  shepherd,  I  shall  not 
want";  (1)  His  constant  presence;  (2)  His  knowledge  of  my 
need;  (3)  His  provision;  (4)  His  guidance;  (5)  His  protection. 
Think  on  these  things.    To  what  degree  do  I  enjoy  these  blessings? 


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6th  Day:  §  43.  Psalms  Reflecting  David's  Experiences  as  an 
Exile  (Psalms  7,  34,  35,  52,  54,  56,  57, 
59,  63,  142) 

"The  sweetest  songs  are  those 
Which  tell  of  saddest  thought." 

I.  "The  passage  from  the  visions  of  youth  and  the  solitary  re- 
solves of  early  and  uninterrupted  piety  to  the  naked  realities  of  a 
wicked  world,  and  the  stern  self-control  of  manly  godliness,  is  ever 
painful  and  perilous.  Thank  God !  it  may  be  made  clear  gain,  as  it 
was  by  this  young  hero  psalmist." — Maclaren. 

2.  As  you  read  Psalms  7,  59  and  34,  which  may  express  David's 
experiences  as  an  exile,  note : 

1.  The  imagery  suggestive  of  wilderness  and  camp  life. 

2.  The  protestations  of  sincere  innocence. 

3.  The  frequent  expression  of  calm  trust  in  God  and  assur- 

ance of  deliverance. 

'Come,  ye  children/  he  says  in  a  psalm  (34)  which  a  reasonable 
tradition  connects  with  this  part  of  his  life:  'Come,  ye  children, 
and  I  will  teach  you  the  fear  of  the  Lord.  What  man  is  he  that 
lusteth  to  live,  and  would  fain  see  good  days?  Keep  thy  tongue 
from  evil  and  thy  lips  that  they  speak  no  guile.  Eschew  evil  and 
do  good,  seek  peace  and  ensue  it.  The  eyes  of  the  Lord  are  over 
the  righteous:  His  ears  are  open  to  their  cry.'  This  is  no  dull 
sermon  of  a  man  discoursing  to  wretched  people  against  sins  to 
which  he  has  no  mind.  It  is  the  honest,  hearty,  sympathetic  voice 
of  a  captain  speaking  to  a  band,  eacli  one  of  whom  he  knows,  telling 
of  a  right  of  way  which  they  may  follow  together,  and  of  a  wrong 
way  into  which  he  is  as  much  in  danger  of  straying  as  ourselves." — 
Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  Meditate  upon  the  statements  in  Psalm 
34,  in  which  the  word  all  occurs,  and  ask  yourself  to  what  extent 
your  experience  corresponds  to  that  of  the  psalmist. 


78         STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     ii  :    DAVID,     THE     MAN     AFTER     GOD'S     OWN 

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7th  Day:  §  43.  Psalms  Reflecting  David's  Experiences  as  an 
Exile  (Psalms  7,  34,  35,  52,  54,  56,  57, 
59,  63,  142) 

"A  man  has  only  as  much  religion  as  he  can  command  in  the  time 
of  trouble." — Andrew  Fuller. 

1.  Recall  the  circumstances  which  the  superscription  of  Psalm 
52  suggests.     Note  "I  trust,"  "I  will  wait,"  vv.  8,  9. 

"Not  for  himself  alone  was  David  led  through  such  experiences. 
As  face  answereth  to  face  in  a  glass,  so  doth  the  heart  of  believer 
to  believer  in  religious  experience ;  and  these  psalms  are  but  like 
the  speaking-tubes  in  the  chamber  of  affliction,  through  which  we 
may  send  up  our  cry  to  Him  who  is  our  helper." — Maurice. 

2.  Note  the  superscription  and  read  Psalm  57.  Observe  the 
prevalence  of  petition  at  the  beginning,  and  the  predominance  of 
praise  at  the  close. 

3.  Psalm  142  is  a  gem.  Read  it  thoughtfully.  It  is  worthy  a 
place  on  the  list  to  be  memorized  as  soon  as  possible. 

"In  desultory  warfare,  and  in  eluding  the  pursuit  of  Saul,  against 
whom  David  never  employed  any  weapon  but  flight,  several  years 
were  passed.  The  effect  of  such  life  on  his  spiritual  nature  was  to 
deepen  his  unconditional  dependence  on  God ;  by  the  alternatives 
of  heat  and  cold,  fear  and  hope,  danger  and  safety,  to  temper  his 
soul  and  make  it  flexible,  tough  and  bright  as  steel.  It  evolved 
the  qualities  of  a  leader  of  men ;  teaching  him  to  command,  and 
forbearance,  promptitude  and  patience,  valor  and  gentleness." — 
Maclaren. 

Personal  Thought:  Dwell  upon  the  words  of  Psalm  131,  "I 
have  stilled  and  quieted  my  soul."  What  do  they  mean  in  the  light 
of  the  figure?  Have  I  recovered  from  the  disappointment  of  not 
having  my  own  poor  little  way,  in  the  enjoyment  of  the  larger  life 
which  God  had  in  mind  for  me  when  He  took  child's  food  and 
toys  away? 


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1st  Day:    §  44.    The  Song  of  the  Bow  (2  Sam.  1:1-27) 

1.  Recall  the  outline  of  the  life  of  David  given  in  Study  EI,  1st 
Day. 

Read  again  the  headings  of  Chaps.  XII-XV  of  Analytical  Outline 
and  the  titles  of  §§  38-71. 

2.  Read  2  Sam.  1:1-27.  The  story  of  the  Amalekite  was  clearly 
a  fabrication.  This  most  pathetic  of  funeral  odes  is  divided  into 
two  parts :  vv.  19-24  laments  the  fall  of  Saul  and  Jonathan ;  vv. 
25-27  commemorates  the  friendship  of  Jonathan  and  David.  Note 
the  strophical  arrangement  marked  by  the  thrice  used  refrain  which 
gives  the  keynote  of  the  elegy,  "How  are  the  mighty  fallen."  Read 
1  Sam.  18:4;  1  Sam.  20:20.  Have  we  in  the  name  of  this  elegy 
a  reminiscence  of  the  gift  of  the  bow  to  David? 

"Not  only  is  there  in  David's  lament  no  revengeful  feeling  at  the 

death  of  his  persecutor but  he  dwells  with  unmixed  love  on 

the  brighter  recollections  of  the  departed.  He  speaks  only  of  the 
Saul  of  earlier  times,  the  mighty  conqueror,  the  delight  of  his  peo- 
ple, the  father  of  his  beloved  and  faithful  friend." — Stanley. 

Personal  Thought:  Note  in  Psalm  11  how  reason  comes  in 
to  repel  the  insinuations  of  the  tempter  that  the  foundations  were 
removed,  and  that  there  was  no  alternative  but  to  flee.  Faith  is 
strengthened  by  the  consideration  that  the  Lord  is  trying  the 
righteous.    In  what  measure  do  I  intelligently  resist  temptation? 


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STUDY     12:    DAVID,     THE  MAN     AFTER     GOD'S     OWN 

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26.  Day:    §  45.    The  Rivals  of  David  Defeated   (2  Sam.  2:1— 
4:12) 

"All  things  come  round  to  him  who  will  but  wait." — Longfellow. 

1.  Read  the  101st  Psalm,  and  ask  yourself  as  you  proceed  today 
whether  the  sentiments  might  have  been  those  of  the  son  of  Jesse 
as  he  took  the  throne  at  Hebron. 

2.  Examine  the  section  (2  Sam.  2:1 — 4:12)  to  note:  (1)  Da- 
vid's delay  for  divine  direction,  2:1;  (2)  The  conciliatory  message 
to  the  men  of  Jabesh-gilead,  prompted  probably  by  both  policy  and 
gratitude,  2:5-7;  (3)  The  widespread  knowledge  that  David  had 
been  chosen  by  God  to  be  Saul's  successor,  3:17,18;  (4)  The  vin- 
dictive unscrupulousness  of  Joab  in  slaying  Abner,  3 -.27.  Did 
jealous  fear  of  Abner  as  a  rival  likely  enter  into  the  motive  for  this 
deed?  (5)  The  political  bearing  of  David's  lamentation  over 
Abner,  3:31,  35,  36,  37.  But  was  it  not  sincere?  See  3:28;  (6) 
The  revelation  of  character  in  David  given  in  4:9-11. 

3.  Recall  the  thought  of  Psalm  101,  and  read  the  following: 
"If  David  took  this  disordered,  miserable  country  of  his  fathers  into 
his  hands, — not  as  a  prize  which  he  had  won,  but  as  a  heavy  and 
awful  trust  for  which  he  had  been  prepared  in  the  sheepfolds,  which 
he  could  only  administer  while  he  remembered  that  the  Lord  was 
his  Shepherd,  and  that  He  was  the  Shepherd  of  every  Israelite  and 
of  every  man  on  the  earth, — then,  however  hopeless  seemed  the 
materials  with  which  he  had  to  work,  and  which  he  had  to  mould, — 
he  might  believe  confidently  that  he  should  be  in  his  own  day  the 
restorer  of  Israel,  and  the  witness  and  prophet  of  the  complete 
restoration  of  it  and  of  mankind." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  Do  I  heartily  approve  and  act  in  harmony 
with  the  /  wills  of  Psalm  101  ?   - 


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3d  Day:  §  46.  David  Established  as  King  Over  the  Nation 
(2  Sam.  5:1-5;  1  Chron.  11:1-3;  12:23-40;  2 
Sam.  5:6-10;  1  Chron.  11:4-9) 

§  47.    Catalogue    and    Exploits    of    David's    Mighty 
Men  (2  Sam.  23:8-39;  1  Chron.  11:10-47) 

"Unless  we  beware,  the  Word,  which  is  meant  to  point  us  away 
to  God,  may  actually  intervene  and  hide  Him  from  us.  The  mind 
may  be  occupied  and  interested  and  delighted  at  what  it  finds,  and 
yet  because  this  is  more  head  knowledge  than  anything  else,  it  may 
bring  little  good  to  us.  If  it  does  not  lead  us  to  wait  on  God,  to 
glorify  Him,  to  receive  His  grace  and  power  for  sweetening  and 
sanctifying  our  lives,  it  becomes  a  hindranca  instead  of  a  help." — 
Murray. 

1.  Read  2  Sam.  5:1-5,  and  the  parallel  passage,  1  Chron.  11:1-3. 
In  reading  did  you  notice  the  addition  in  the  account  in  Chronicles? 
The  combined  account  gives  what  reasons  for  the  choice  of  David 
as  King  by  the  elders?  Glance  at  1  Chron.  12:23-40,  noting  espe- 
cially vv.  32,  38-40. 

2.  Spend  a  moment  only  on  the  account  of  the  capture  of  Jeru- 
salem, 1  Chron.  11 :4~9.  Read  Judges  1 :2i.  Examine  2  Sam.  23  :8-39 
for  its  light  on  David's  character  and  management  of  men.  The 
story  of  the  Bethlehem  well  is  the  most  interesting  part.  Note  es- 
pecially vv.  19,  23. 

Personal  Thought:  "Now  I  know  that  the  Lord  saveth."  By 
what  do  I  know  this?  What  are  the  two  or  three  clearest  evi- 
dences that  He  has  saved  and  does  save  me? 


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4th  Day:  §  48.  David  and  the  Tyrians  and  the  Philistines 
(2  Sam.  5:11-25;  1  Chron.  14:1-17;  2  Sam.  21: 
15-17;  2  Sam.  21:18-22;  1  Chron.  20:4-8) 

§  49.  Removal  of  the  Ark  to  the  House  of  Obed- 
edom  (1  Chron.  13:1-5;  2  Sam.  6:i-ii;  i 
Chron.  13:6-14) 

"Five  minutes  spent  in  the  companionship  of  Christ  every  morn- 
ing— ay,  two  minutes,  if  it  is  face  to  face  and  heart  to  heart,  will 
change  the  whole  day,  and  make  every  thought  and  feeling  differ- 
ent."— Drummond. 

1.  Read  the  Samuel  passages  given  above  with  the  title  of  §  48, 
noting  what  is  said  about  David's  reference  of  matters  to  the  Lord. 
See  passage  in  1  Chron.  20:4-8,  on  statement  in  2  Sam.  21:18-22 
about  Goliath.  Look  a  second  time  at  2  Sam.  5:12.  What  two 
things  did  David  perceive? 

"The  distinguishing  peculiarity  of  David  as  a  King  was  that  he 
recognized  in  the  most  loyal  manner  the  higher  royalty  of  God, 
and  regarded  himself  as  a  mere  human  vice-regent." — Taylor. 

2.  Read  1  Chron.  13:1-14.  Read  Numbers  4:5,  15,  19,  20. 
What  effect  would  this  severe  stroke  upon  the  first  violation  of  the 
law  likely  produce  upon  David  and  the  people? 

Personal  Thought:  "Let  us  have  grace  whereby  we  may  offer 
service  well-pleasing  to  God,  with  reverence  and  awe :  for  our  God 
is  a  consuming  fire"  (Heb.  12:28).  What  is  the  tendency  of  the 
present  time  in  the  matter  of  reverent  fear?  In  what  measure  have 
I  yielded  to  this  tendency?  By  what  am  I  admonished  to  be  on 
guard  against  a  lack  of  reverence  for  God? 


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5th  Day:    §  50.    Removal  of   the  Ark   to   Jerusalem    (2   Sam. 
6:12-23;   1   Chron.  15:1 — 16:43) 

§  51.    Songs   of  the   Removal  of  the  Ark    (Psalms 
15,  24. 

Saith  an  old  divine:  "Make  me  what  thou  wilt,  Lord,  and  set 
me  where  thou  wilt — anywhere  where  I  may  be  serviceable.  Let 
me  be  employed  for  thee,  or  laid  aside  for  thee,  exalted  of  thee,  or 
trodden  under  foot  for  thee.  I  freely  and  heartily  resign  all  to  thy 
pleasure  and  disposal." 

1.  Read  2  Sam.  6:12-23,  noting  especially  v.  21.  Read  the  paral- 
lel account  in  Chron.  15:1 — 167,  looking  for  any  results  of  the 
death  of  Uzzah  (see  15:2  ff.,  especially  v.  13). 

2.  Read  and  meditate  upon  Psalms  15  and  24. 

"The  unity  of  the  nation  does  not  stand  in  the  walls  of  the  capi- 
tal city.  When  David  had  made  this  conquest  from  the  Jebusites, 
and  had  set  up  his  throne  in  it,  he  was  impatient  until  he  had 
brought  the  Ark  of  God  there,  and  placed  it,  with  songs  and  shout- 
ings and  dancings,  on  the  holy  hill.  That  Ark  had  been  the  wit- 
ness to  the  people  that  they  were  one  people,  because  they  had  the 
one  God  dwelling  in  the  midst  of  them.  It  spoke  to  them  of  a 
permanent  Being,  of  a  righteous  Being,  always  above  His  creatures, 
always  desiring  fellowship  with  them — a  fellowship  which  they 
could  only  realize  when  seeking  to  be  like  Him.  'Who  shall  ascend 
into  the  hill  of  the  Lord?'  So  spake  David  as  he  brought  the  Ark 
to  its  resting  place.  'Even  he  that  hath  clean  hands  and  a  pure 
heart.' " — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  How  does  my  life  stand  the  test  of  the 
fifteenth  Psalm? 


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STUDY     12:    DAVID,     THE  MAN     AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

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6th  Day:  §  52.  The  Promise  of  Eternal  Dominion  to  the 
House  of  David  (2  Sam.  7:1-29;  1  Chron. 
17:1-27) 

One  characteristic  of  the  Old  Testament  is  that  it  has  "a  forward 
look,  an  air  of  anticipation  of  things  yet  to  come.  If  the  skeptic 
will  not  acknowledge  prophecy,  all  the  more  he  must  acknowledge 
what  in  reality  is  every  bit  as  wonderful,  the  power  to  forebode, 
as  the  bud  forebodes  the  blossom  and  the  fruit.  If  there  were  noth- 
ing else  to  divide  the  Old  Testament  from  all  other  religious  books, 
it  possesses  this  one,  this  unique  distinction,  that  it  expects  the 
New  Testament,  that  it  bears  in  its  bosom  the  stirring  of  a  life 
more  august,  more  profound  than  its  own  life." 

1.  Referring  to  2  Sam.  7:1-20  note:  (1)  What  of  the  sentiment 
underlying  v.  2?  (2)  Notice  in  v.  3,  and  ff.,  the  distinction  made 
between  the  prophet's  private  opinion,  and  his  message  when  in- 
structed by  God;  (3)  Do  not  miss  the  antithesis  in  vv.  5  and  11; 
(4)  The  reply  of  what  New  Testament  personage  to  a  message 
from  heaven,  does  v.  25  remind  one?  Give  thought  to:  (1)  The 
content  and  significance  of  the  message  of  the  prophet,  and  (2)  The 
manner  in  which  the  information  was  received  by  David.  This 
humble,  grateful  prayer  of  faith  here  recorded,  contains  a  revela- 
tion of  David's  character  well  worth  studying. 

Personal  Thought:  "Who  am  I,  O  Lord  God,  and  what  is  my 
house  that  thou  hast  brought  me  thus  far?"  Pause  a  moment  to 
answer  this  question.  Then  pass  to  think  of  the  assurance  for  the 
future  which  you  are  justified  in  having.  This  should  induce  hum- 
ble, grateful  prayer  as  in  David's  case. 


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7th  Day:    §  53.    David's  Foreign   Conquests    (2   Sam.  8:1-18;   1 
Chron.  18:1-17) 

§  54.    David's  Great  Hymn  of  Thanksgiving  (2  Sam. 
22:1-51;  Psalm  18:1-50) 

"You  know  how  often  Christ  and  His  apostles  in  their  epistles 
speak  of  hearing  and  not  doing.  If  you  accustom  yourself  to  study 
the  Bible  without  an  earnest  and  very  definite  purpose  to  obey,  you 
are  getting  hardened  in  disobedience.  Never  read  God's  will  con- 
cerning you  without  honestly  giving  up  yourself  to  do  it  at  once, 
and  asking  grace  to  do  so." — Murray. 

1.  Examine  key  verses  in  2  Sam.  8:1-18.    They  are  6,  II,  14, 15- 

2.  Give  your  time  and  thought  to  Psalm  18  in  §  54.  'This 
Psalm  throbs  with  the  life  blood  of  devotion."  There  is  here  a 
"continuous  tide  of  unmingled  praise."  Before  reading  this  Psalm 
continuously,  note:  (1)  The  substance  of  the  Psalm  might  be  ex- 
pressed thus :  I  love  Thee,  O  Lord,  because  Thou  hast  heard  my 
prayer  and  hast  granted  me  great  deliverance,  for  which  I  will  give 
Thee  thanks  everywhere  forever;  (2)  Name  over  and  think  of  the 
significance  of  each  of  the  figures  in  vv.  1,  2;  (3)  Read  v.  16  after 
v.  6,  observing  that  between  these  verses  is  a  "description  unsur- 
passed in  sublimity  and  grandeur.  Instead  of  pagan  attempts  at  a 
likeness  of  God,  we  have  here  painted,  with  equal  descriptive  ac- 
curacy,   poetic    force    and    theological    truth,    the    pitchy   blackness 

which  hides  Him All  this  splendor  flames  out  because  a  poor 

man  prays,  and  all  the  upheaval  of  earth  and  the  artillery  of  heaven 
have  simply  this  end  in  view,  that  a  poor  man  may  be  delivered. 
The  paradox  of  prayer  never  found  a  more  bold  expression  than  in 
this  triumphant  utterance  of  the  insignificant  occasion  for,  and  the 
equally  insignificant  result  sought  by  the  exercise  of  the  energy  of 
Omnipotence." — Maclaren. 

.  Personal  Thought:  "Thy  condescension  hath  made  me  great" 
(Psa.  18:35).  What  meaning  do  these  words  convey  to  me? 
Am  I  able  to  say  I  believe  I  know  something  of  the  transforming 
influence  of  the  love  of  God?  Can  I  in  reality  use  the  first  expres- 
sion of  this  Psalm? 


86        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     13:    DAVID,    THE     MAN    AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 


1st  Day:    §  56.    David's     Kindness    to     Saul's     Son     (2     Sam. 
9:1-13) 

§  57.  The  Famine  and  the  Execution  of  Saul's 
Sons  (2  Sam.  21  n-14) 

§  58.  David's  Wars  with  the  Ammonites  and  their 
Allies  (2  Sam.  10:1-19;  1  Chron.  19:1-19;  2 
Sam.  ii  :i;  i  Chron.  20:1;  2  Sam.  12:26-31;  1 
Chron.  20:2,  3) 

"What  a  chimera  then  is  man!  What  a  novelty,  what  a  monster, 
what  a  chaos,  what  a  subject  of  contradiction,  what  a  prodigy!  A 
judge  of  all  things,  feeble  worm  of  the  earth,  depositary  of  the 
truth,  cloaca  of  uncertainty  and  error,  the  glory  and  shame  of  the 
universe !" — Pascal. 

I.  Read  for  today  the  passages  given  above  with  titles  of  §§  56 
and  57,  making  such  record  of  results  as  you  may  deem  proper. 

As  one  becomes  better  acquainted  with  the  customs  and  laws  of 
the  times  of  David,  there  is  less  of  surprise  at  the  revolting  parts 
of  the  account,  and  increasing  wonder  at  the  number  of  acts  and 
words  which  were  manifestly  in  advance  of  the  age.  But  as  we 
learn  more  of  history  and  of  our  own  heart,  are  we  not  constrained 
to  cry :  "How  vain  at  best  is  man !"  Truly  the  patience  of  God 
with  our  race  and  with  us  as  individuals  is  infinite.  When  will 
His  goodness  lead  us  to  repentance?  When  you  have  opportunity, 
read  note  II,  p.  234,  in  the  Cambridge  Bible  Com.,  on  2  Sam.,  where 
the  execution  of  Saul's  sons  is  considered ;  also  Mozley's  Ruling 
Ideas  in  Early  Ages,  Lecture  VIII.,  on  the  Law  of  Retaliation. 

Personal  Thought:  We  condemn  foul  crime  in  the  ancients. 
Are  we  sure  we  have  not  the  possibilities  in  us?  If  this  darker 
self  which  is  not  very  far  from  the  surface  in  any  one  of  us,  gets 
the  upper  hand,  to  what  lengths  may  it  not  run?  A  simple  change 
of  environment  makes  devils  of  apparently  civilized  men.  Am  I 
sure  I  am  beyond  that?  Lord,  have  mercy  and  preserve  us  from 
ourselves. 


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2d  Day:    §  59.    David's  Great  Sin  and  His  Repentance  (2  Sam. 
11 :2 — 12:25) 

"I  never  wonder  to  see  men  wicked,  but  I  often  wonder  to  see 
them  not  ashamed." — Dean  Swift. 

1.  Read  2  Sam.  11:2—12:25,  after  thinking  for  a  moment  of 
three  precursors  to  David's  fall.  They  were  Prosperity,  Idleness, 
and  Self-indulgence.  As  you  read  note  the  aggravations  of  his  sin, 
and  how  one  sin  leads  to  another. 

2.  "It  is  one  object  of  the  Holy  Scripture  to  paint  sin  in  its  true 
colors.  No  friendly  flattery,  no  false  modesty,  draws  a  veil  over 
this  dark  scene  in  David's  life.  It  is  recorded  as  a  warning  (1 
Cor.  10:11,  12)  that  even  holy  men  may  yield  to  temptation  and 
fall  into  gross  sin ;  that  one  sin  almost  inevitably  leads  to  others ; 
that  sin,  even  when  repented  of,  brings  punishment  in  its  train." — 
Kirk  Patrick. 

"How  can  we  presume  of  not  sinning,  or  despair  for  sinning, 
when  we  find  so  great  a  saint  thus  fallen,  thus  risen." — Bishop 
Hall. 

"Why  should  we  dwell  on  the  wretched  story?  Because  it 
teaches  us,  as  no  other  page  in  the  history  of  God's  church  does, 
how  the  alchemy  of  Divine  love  can  extract  sweet  perfumes  of 
penitence  and  praise  out  of  the  filth  of  sin;  and  therefore,  though 
we  turn  with  loathing  from  David's  sin,  we  have  to  bless  God  for 
the  record  of  it,  and  for  the  lessons  of  hope  that  come  from  David's 
pardon." — Maclaren. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  2  Sam.  12:5,  6.  Here  is  rapid  and 
bitter  condemnation  by  a  transgressor,  of  sin  in  another  transgres- 
sor. How  true  to  nature  is  this!  Have  I  been  trying  to  hide  the 
light  which  would  show  me  the  foul  spots  in  my  own  soul,  by 
projecting  these  spots  outside  of  myself,  and  pronouncing  sentence 
upon  them  in  another  man?  "Lord,  what  is  man,  that  thou  shouldst 
visit  him!" 


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STUDY     13:    DAVID,    THE    MAN    AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

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3d  Day:    §  60.    Psalms    of    David   the   Penitent    (Psalms    51 
and  32) 

"Many  make  a  mock  at  David's  sin  who  say  nothing  of  his  re- 
pentance. It  is  enough  for  them  to  read  in  one  place  that  he  was 
the  man  after  God's  own  heart,  and  in  another  that  he  committed 
these  great  sins,  and  forthwith  they  turn  the  battery  of  their  scorn 

on  the  religion  of  the   Bible What  really  is   the   distinction 

between  the  people  of  God  and  the  wicked  on  the  earth?  Is  it  that 
the  one  class  commit  no  sin,  while  the  other  fall  into  iniquity? 
No.  The  difference  lies  in  this:  that  when  the  child  of  God  falls 
into  sin,  he  rises  out  of  it  and  leaves  it,  and  cries  to  God  for  par- 
don, purity  and  help ;  but  when  the  ungodly  man  falls  into  sin,  he 
continues  it.  It  is  a  poor,  shallow  philosophy  that  sneers  at  such  a 
history  as  this  of  David ;  it  is  worse :  It  is  the  very  spirit  of  Satan, 
rejoicing  as  it  does,  in  the  iniquity  of  others." — Taylor. 

"Nobody  buys  a  little  passing  pleasure  in  evil  at  so  dear  a  rate, 
or  keeps  it  for  so  short  a  time  as  a  good  man." — Maclaren. 

1.  Probably  about  a  year  passed  between  the  crime  and  the  confes- 
sion. For  David's  experience  during  that  time  read  Psalm  32  :3,  4, 
What  glimpses  of  this  wretchedness  does  Psalm  51  furnish?  Psalm 
51  comes  first  in  order  of  time.  Read  it  for  its  profound  views  of 
sin,  for  its  depth  and  fervor  of  penitence,  and  for  the  wideness 
of  the  mercy  of  God  which  it  reveals.  Read  Psalm  32.  The  very 
gladness  of  it  witnesses  to  the  sadness  of  sin  which  had  gone  be- 
fore. 

Personal  Thought:  Reflect  upon  the  relation  of  the  words, 
"And  in  whose  spirit  there  is  no  guile"  (Psa.  32:2)  to  what  pre- 
cedes them  in  the  Psalm.  Does  my  belief  that  Christ  died  for  my 
sins  produce  in  me  increasing  hatred  of  sin  and  resistance  to  sin? 
If  it  does  not,  in  my  spirit  there  is  guile,  and  my  sin  is  not  covered ; 
my  transgression  is  not  forgiven. 


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4th  Day:    §  61.    David's  Family  Troubles  (2  Sam.  13:1—14:33) 

§62.    The    Rebellion    of   Absalom    (2    Sam.    15:1— 
20:26) 

"Sorrow  tracketh  wrong 
As  echo  follows  song. 
On!  On!  On!  On!" 

1.  Recall  the  outline  of  the  life  of  David  given  in  Study  11,  ISt 
Day.     Spend  a  moment  on  the  subjoined  table  of  approximate  dates. 

Reign  of  David  at  Hebron B.C.  1055-1048 

Reign  of  David  at  Jerusalem 1048-1015 

Period  of  foreign  wars    (2  Sam.  c.  8).  1045-1035 

Adultery    with    Bath-sheba 1035 

Amnon's    outrage 1034 

Absalom's    rebellion 1023 

Period  of  tranquillity  and  growth 1023-1015 

David's    death 1015 

2.  After  reading  2  Sam.  13:1—14:33,  consider  the  following: 
(i)The  curse  of  the  clever  but  unprincipled  friend;  (2)  ;  The  char- 
acteristic of  human  nature  to  hate  one  whom  you  have  injured;  (3) 
David's  hands  weakened  in  dealing  with  his  sons  by  consciousness 
of  his  own  guilt;  (4)  The  sons  probably  incited  to  evil  by  their 
father's  sins;  (5)  Chap.  13:39,  and  Chap.  14  indicate  that  political 
and  judicial  reasons  stood  in  the  way  of  the  recall  of  Absalom; 
(6)  Have  you  already  discovered  what  an  advantage  Joab  had  over 
David  owing  to  David's  sins?  (1)  Would  not  Absalom  justify  him- 
self for  killing  Amnon,  and  would  not  popular  sympathy  be  with 
him?  (8)  Poor  David!  How  his  sin  is  finding  him  out!  His  suf- 
fering must  have  been  intense.  Surely  the  enemies  of  God  did  not 
let  go  the  great  occasion  given  them  to  blaspheme.  (See  2  Sam. 
12:14.) 

Personal  Thought:  "Whatsoever  a  man  soweth,  that  shall  he 
also  reap."  What  am  I  sowing?  Am  I  deceiving  myself  with  the 
thought  that  because  the  evil  effects  of  indulgence  are  not  at  once 
apparent,  therefore  the  harvest  will  never  come?  Am  I  patient 
in  well-doing,  assured  that  in  due  season  I  shall  reap  if  I  faint  not? 


go        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     13:     DAVID     THE    MAN     AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 
5th  Day:    §62.    The    Rebellion    of   Absalom    (2    Sam.    15:1— 
20 :26) 

"Sorrow  tracketh  wrong 
As  echo  follows  song. 
On!  On!  On!  On!" 

1.  The  two  chapters  for  today  are  2  Sam.  15,  16.  Try  to  extract 
the  thought  without  reading  every  word.  Key  verses  for  estimat- 
ing the  real  David  are:  13:21;  15:24;  16:10,  11,  12.  There  is 
no  single  day  of  Jewish  history  of  which  so  elaborate  an  account 
remains  as  that  on  which  David  fled  from  Absalom.  (  Sam.  15:16 
— 17:22.)  With  2  Sam.  16:1-4,  compare  2  Sam.  19:24-30.  Which 
man  was  the  rascal? 

2.  "In  one  word,  David  is  a  man  of  faith  and  a  man  of  prayer. 

Faith,  again,  it  is,  to  turn  from  David's  highest  to  his  lowest 

phase — faith  in  God,  it  is  which  has  made  that  51st  Psalm  the  model 
of  all  true  penitence  forevermore.  Faith  in  God,  in  spite  of  his  full 
consciousness  that  God  is  about  to  punish  him  bitterly  for  the  rest 
of  his  life.  Faith  it  is  which  gives  to  that  Psalm  its  peculiarly 
simple,  deliberate,  manly  tone,  free  from  all  exaggerated  self-accu- 
sation, all  cowardly  cries  of  terror.  He  is  crushed  down,  it  is  true. 
But  crushed  by  what?  David  has  discovered  a  forgiving  God. 
This  model  of  all  truly  penitent  prayers — is  that  of  a  man  who  is  to 
be  punished,  and  is  content  to  take  his  punishment,  knowing  that 
he  deserves  it,  and  far  more  besides." — Kingsley. 

"David's  great  characteristic  was  faith  in  God,  a  deep  and  abiding 
realization  of  the  unseen  Lord  and  an  entire  dependence  upon  His 
guidance.  It  showed  itself  most  living  and  most  potent  in  his  great 
repentance.  It  is  seen  also  in  his  resignation  under  God's  chastening 
hand,  in  his  meek  endurance  of  the  punishment  of  his  sin,  in  the 
humility  which  caused  him  to  bear  reproach  and  contumely  as  only 
a  righteous  retribution." — Deane. 

Personal  Thought:  Meditate  upon  1  Sam.  15:25,  26.  Try  to 
penetrate  to  the  heart  of  the  man  who  uttereth  these  words,  and  to 
understand  him.  In  spite  of  his  sins,  what  is  the  effect  of  a  compari- 
son of  his  religion  with  mine?  Does  my  faith  hold  me  as  high  as 
David's  held  him? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        91 

STUDY     13:    DAVID,    THE    MAN     AFTER     GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 


6th  Day:    §  62.    The    Rebellion    of    Absalom    (2    Sam.    15:1— 
20 :26) 

"Sorrow    tracketh   wrong 
As  echo  follows  song. 
On  !  On  !  On  !  On  !" 

1.  The  two  chapters  for  today  are  2  Sam.  17,  18,  and  as  you 
read  them,  try  to  divine  David's  thoughts  during  those  days  when 
he  was  crushed  in  spirit,  humiliated  before  his  people,  and  degraded 
in  his  own  estimation.  Think  with  him  his  thoughts  in  the  night 
watches  and  be  instructed  against  sin. 

2.  "Faults !  the  greatest  of  faults,  I  should  say,  is  to  be  conscious 
of  none.  Readers  of  the  Bible,  above  all,  one  would  think,  might 
know  better.  Who  is  called  there  the  man  according  to  God's  own 
heart  ?  David,  the  Hebrew  king,  had  fallen  into  sins  enough ;  black- 
est crimes;  there  was  no  want  of  sins.  And  thereupon  unbelievers 
sneer  and  ask,  Ts  this  your  man  according  to  God's  heart?'  The 
sneer,  I  must  say,  seems  to  me  but  a  shallow  one.  What  are  faults? 
What  are  the  outward  details  of  a  life,  if  the  inner  secret  of  it — the 
remorse,  temptations,  true,  often-baffled,  never-ending  struggle  of 
it — be  forgotten?  Of  all  acts,  is  not,  for  a  man,  repentance  most 
divine?  The  deadliest  sin,  I  say,  were  that  same  supercilious  con- 
sciousness of  no  sin.  That  is  death.  The  heart  so  conscious  is 
divorced  from  sincerity,  humility,  and  in  fact — is  dead.  David's  life 
and  history  I  consider  to  be  the  truest  emblem  ever  given  of  a 
man's  moral  progress  and  warfare  here  below.  All  earnest  souls 
will  ever  discern  in  it  the  faithful  struggle  of  an  earnest  human 
soul  toward  what  is  good  and  best.  Struggle  often  baffled  sore, 
baffled  down  into  entire  wreck,  yet  a  struggle  never  ended;  ever 
with  tears,  repentance,  true,  unconquerable,  purpose  begun  anew. 
That  a  man's  struggle  be  a  faithful,  unconquerable  one,  that  is  the 
question  of  questions." — Carlyle. 

Personal  Thought:  The  last  sentence  of  the  quotation  above 
may  well  be  used  to  test  my  life.  How  faithful,  how  unconquer- 
able has  been  my  fight?  Is  it  possible  that  I  am  saying,  There  is  no 
hope  of  victory?  If  so,  it  is  because  I  have  not  been  faithful.  I 
have  been  regarding  sin  in  my  heart.  "Renew  a  steadfast  spirit 
within  me,  O  God." 


92        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     13:    DAVID,    THE    MAN    AFTER    GOD'S    OWN 

HEART 


7th  Day:  §  63.  Some  Psalms  Which  Reflect  Experience  of  Da- 
vid's Later  Life  (Psalms  41,  39,  55,  3,  4>  25> 
28,  58,  61,  62,  63,  109,  143) 

"In  our  religion  we  want  nothing  so  much  as  more  of  God.  Un- 
der heaven  there  is  no  way  of  getting  this  but  by  close  personal  com- 
munion. Do  not  be  content  in  your  morning  watch  with  anything 
less  than  seeing  the  face  of  God,  having  the  assurance  that  He  is 
looking  on  you  in  love,  and  listening  and  working  in  you." — Murray. 

1.  You  will  recall  characteristics  of  Psalms  of  the  Exile  life  (see 
Study  11,  6th  day).  The  Psalms  which  most  likely  reflect  the 
experience  of  the  times  of  Absalom's  rebellion  both  resemble  and 
differ  from  these.  Their  resemblance  consists  chiefly  in  their  expres- 
sion of  confidence  in  God.  In  these  later  Psalms  there  is  prominent : 
(1)  Absence  of  assertion  of  innocence;  (2)  Submission  to  the  will 
of  God;  (3)  Assertion  of  trustfulness  in  God  in  spite  of  everything; 
(4)   Much  of  prayer. 

2.  Read  Psalm  143,  which  on  account  of  its  prevailing  tone  of 
despondency  and  Septuagint  superscription  has  been  thought  by  many 
to  belong  to  the  period  in  mind. 

Judge  of  the  propriety  of  the  following  statements,  as  you  examine 
the  Psalms  indicated :  "Psalm  63  was  probably  written  between  the 
flight  from  Jerusalem  and  the  passage  of  the  Jordan.  Psalm  3  is  a 
morning  hymn,  and  Psalm  4  an  evening  hymn  composed  on  the  day 
following  that  on  which  he  quitted  Jerusalem." — Kirkpatrick. 

Personal  Thought  :  What  a  God  these  Psalms  reveal !  One  to 
whom  one  may  go  in  his  distress.  One  to  converse  with  whom  but 
for  a  moment,  renews  the  strength.  One  before  whom  the  heart 
may  be  laid  open  with  assurance  that  no  confidences  shall  be  betrayed. 
"As  for  me,  I  will  call  upon  God.     My  hope  is  in  Thee." 


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1st  Day:    §  64.    The  Census  and  the  Plague  (2  Sam.  24:1-25; 
1  Chron.  21  -.1-27) 

"Don't  let  your  doubts  trouble  you  too  much ;  and  don't  feel  that 
you've  got  to  resolve  them  all.  Often  the  best  thing  you  can  do  with 
your  doubts  is  to  hang  them  up  to  dry.  Then,  when  a  good  time 
comes,  you  can  take  them  down  again  to  look  at.  In  many  cases 
you'll  find  that  somehow  they've  settled  themselves ;  they  are  no 
longer  doubts." — Bushnell. 

1.  These  words  of  Bushnell  about  doubts  have  an  application  to 
certain  difficulties  connected  with  today's  section.  You  may  or  you 
may  not  be  satisfied  with  explanations  which  are  given  in  various 
commentaries  and  lives  of  David.  Make  yourself  acquainted  with 
these  as  you  have  opportunity.  Do  not  prejudge,  is  the  one  cau- 
tion here  given.     Until  you  are  sure  that  all  the  evidence  is  in,  wait. 

2.  After  reading  the  passage  in  Samuel  (2  Sam.  24),  see  if  a 
comparison  of  the  account  in  1  Chron.  21:1-27  sheds  any  light  on 
the  situation.  Grasp  and  keep  where  they  belong,  such  central 
thoughts  as:  (1)  David  charged  himself,  not  God,  with  foolishness 
and  sin.  Even  Joab  anticipated  trouble,  but  David  insisted ;  (2)  The 
sin  when  recognized  was  confessed;  (3)  While  the  account  does 
not  exculpate  Israel,  David  takes  all  the  blame  to  himself ;  (4) 
David's  large  experience  with  both  man  and  God  led  him  to  believe 
the  divine  compassion  to  be  greater  than  that  of  man;  (5)  The  grace 
of  God  in  staying  the  plague,  and  in  providing  for  the  expiation  of 
the  sin. 

Personal  Thought:  "Cursed  is  the  man  that  trusteth  in  man, 
and  maketh  flesh  his  arm,  and  whose  heart  departeth  from  the  Lord" 
(Je.  17:5).  How  much  thought  do  I  give  to  avoidance  of  the 
perilous  way  here  pointed  out? 


94        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     14:    DAVID,     THE    MAN    AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 


2d  Day:    §  65.    David's    Preparation   for  the   Building  of   the 
Temple   (i   Chron.  21:28 — 22:19) 

A  prayer — "O  God,  who  hast  commanded  us  to  be  perfect,  as  Thou 
our  Father  in  heaven  art  perfect :  put  into  our  hearts,  we  pray  Thee, 
a  continual  desire  to  obey  Thy  holy  will.  Teach  us  day  by  day  what 
Thou  wouldst  have  us  to  do,  and  give  us  grace  and  power  to  fulfil 
the  same.  May  we  never,  from  love  of  ease,  decline  the  path  which 
Thou  pointest  out,  nor,  for  fear  of  shame,  turn  away  from  it.  Amen." 

1.  Give  a  few  minutes  to  Diagram  XVI.  (See  Appendix.)  One 
of  the  great  differences  between  the  accounts  about  David  in  Samuel 
and  Chronicles  is,  that  in  Samuel  David  the  man  is  prominent,  while 
in  Chronicles  the  theocratic  ruler  establishing  Jehovah's  worship  is 
emphasized.  You  will  not  fail  to  observe  the  prominence  given  in 
Chronicles  to  the  Ark  and  the  Temple  with  the  arrangements  for 
worship. 

2.  What  led  David  to  the  conclusion  announced  in  1  Chron.  22:1? 
Read  Chap.  22 :2-i9  for  its  revelation  of  David's  character. 

With  David's  words  to  Solomon,  v.  13,  compare  Deut.  31 :6,  7,  and 
Joshua  1 :6,  7. 

The  great  ambition  of  David's  life  was  to  build  a  house  for  the 
Lord.  The  spirit  in  which  he  abandoned  the  project  is  most 
commendable.  A  most  instructive  contrast  is  traceable  between  Saul 
and  David  in  their  treatment  of  the  messages  of  God  sent  to  them 
by  men.  David  invariably  followed  instructions.  His  life's  motto 
was:  "I  come  to  do  thy  will,  O  my  God."  Do  you  say  he  failed? 
He  did  not  fail,  as  a  rule.  It  was  in  his  heart  to  obey  God.  Such 
was  not  Saul's  purpose. 

Personal  Thought  :  As  I  review  my  past,  how  continuously  have 
I  responded  without  hesitation  to  the  will  of  God  as  made  known 
to  me?  Am  I  able  to  recall  any  instances  when  I  have  been  re- 
buked by  God's  message?  How  did  I  act  then?  Did  I  confess  and 
turn  from  sin,  or  did  I  resent  or  ignore  the  message? 


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3d  Day:  §  66.  Other  Psalms  Ascribed  to  David  (Psalms  5,  6, 
9,  11,  13,  16,  17,  22,  26,  27,  30,  31,  35,  36, 
37,  38,  40,  64,  65,  68,  69,  70,  86,  103,  108,  122, 
131,  133,  138,  139,  140,  141,  144,  145) 

"There  is  still  a  good  deal  of  obscurity,  and  consequent  differ- 
ence of  opinon  on  several  points  necessary  to  be  determined  before 
the    precise    number    of   the    Psalms    contributed    by    David    can   be 

ascertained Meanwhile    the    approximate    estimate    is    sufficient 

to  show  that  the   reign  of  David  was,  beyond  all  controversy,  the 
Augustan  age  of  sacred  psalmody." — Binnie. 

"The  force  of  David's  character  was  vast,  and  the  scope  of  his 
life  was  immense.  His  harp  was  full-stringed,  and  every  angel  of 
joy  and  of  sorrow  swept  over  the  chords  as  he  passed;  but  the 
melody  always  breathed  of  heaven. — Edward  Irving. 

1.  A  glance  at  the  list  of  other  Psalms  ascribed  to  David  (see 
above,  §  66)  will  indicate  that  half  of  them  are  before  the  fortieth. 
The  Psalter  was  divided  into  five  books.  In  the  superscriptions  of 
the  first  book  (1 — 42),  no  author  except  David  is  mentioned. 

We  shall  assume  in  these  Studies  that  the  superscriptions  are 
correct,  reserving  the  right  to  judge  as  we  read  each  Psalm  wheth- 
er it  is  likely  David  wrote  it,  and  if  so,  when  in  his  life  he  did 
write  it.  We  should,  however,  be  on  double  guard,  not  to  allow 
questions  of  date  and  authorship  to  monopolize  our  time  for  feed- 
ing the  soul. 

2.  Remembering  that  the  words  are  records  of  a  soul's  utterance 
before  God,  read  Psalms  5,  6  and  9,  noting  how  many  of  the 
sentiments  you  can  breathe  out  heartily  to  your  God.  Offer  as 
your  prayer  as  much  of  these  Psalms  as  appears  appropriate. 
Linger  on  the  portions  which  most  strikingly  express  what  you 
feel  you  would  like  to  say  to  God. 

Personal  Thought:  The  Psalmists  did  not  complain  about 
God,  but  they  did  not  hesitate  to  tell  Him  their  troubles,  and  to 
call  upon  Him  for  help.  What  conception  of  God  is  one  led  to  be- 
lieve the  writer  of  the  5th  Psalm  to  have  had  ?  Does  it  differ  from 
our  best  conception  of  God? 


96        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     14:     DAVID,     THE     MAN     AFTER     GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 


4th  Day:    §  67.    David    as    an    Organizer     (i    Chron.    23:1 — 
27:34) 

"It  is  one  thing  to  ask  God  to  help  us  in  our  plans;  it  is  quite 
another  thing  to  ask  God  how  we  can  be  helpers  in  His  plans. 
Every  man  is  glad  to  have  God's  help ;  only  now  and  then  is  a  man 
found  whose  first  thought  is  how  he  can  help  God.  What  is  your 
chief  desire  in  your  morning  prayer  for  the  day?  Your  honest  an- 
swer to  that  question  may  reveal  to  you  your  spirit  and  purpose  in 
life." — Trumbull. 

"What  Moses  had  commenced,  and  Joshua  had  for  a  time  and 
in  part  completed,  what  Samuel  had  lived  but  to  accomplish,  and 
had  but  half  realized,  was  established  first  on  a  permanent  basis  by 
David.  He  gave  to  his  nation  that  unity  which  made  combination 
for  national  good  practicable His  piety  was  thoroughly  practi- 
cal, and  he  aimed  at  making  the  whole  nation  of  one  mind  with 
himself  in  this  important  matter.  He  elaborated  a  grand  system  of 
worship,  and  secured  the  regular  and  decent  performance  of  divine 

service David    showed    remarkable    ability    in    organizing." — 

Deane. 

1.  Read  Psalm  13,  noting  how  soon  the  suppliant  passes  from 
the  deep  valley  to  the  mountain  top.     Account  for  this. 

2.  Read  Psalm  16.  Note  the  use  made  of  it  in  Acts  Chap.  2. 
What  is  your  choice   of  verses? 

3.  Read  Psalm  17.  Of  several  choice  parts,  do  not  miss  the 
contrast  in  vv.  14,  15,  suggested  by  the  words,  "They  are  satisfied 
— I   shall  be   satisfied." 

Personal  Thought:  Re-read  the  words  of  Trumbull  above  and 
answer  the  question  asked.  As  you  meditate  upon  this  let  your  eye 
rest  upon  the  first  verse  of  Psalm  17. 


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5th  Day:    §  68.    Solomon   Chosen  to  be  David's   Successor   (i 
Kings  1:11-53) 

§  70.    David's    Last    Charge    to    Solomon    (i    Kings 
2:1-9) 

"A  short  special  communion  with  the  Unseen  and  Eternal  pre- 
vents the  soul  from  ever  being  again  so  completely  the  slave  of 
the  things  of  sense  and  time." — Brooks. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  1:1 — 2:11.  Consider  David's  advice  to  Solo- 
mon about  Joab  and  Shimei  in  the  light  of  1  Kings  1  :j ;  2  :22,  27, 
28,  36,  37,  38,  42-46.  Is  one  justified  in  concluding  at  once,  that 
David's  advice  to  Solomon  was  in  satisfaction  of  private  rancor, 
and  was  actuated  by  personal  resentment?  Were  not  these  two 
men  foul  plotters  against  the  stability  of  Solomon's  rule,  and  was 
it  not  with  the  public  weal  in  mind  that  David  thus  advised  his  son? 

2.  "We  have  seen  that  the  life  of  David  is  the  life  neither  of  a 
mere  official,  fulfilling  a  purpose  in  which  he  has  no  interest,  nor  of 
a  hero  without  fear  and  without  reproach ;  but  of  a  man  inspired 
by  a  divine  purpose,  under  the  guidance  of  a  divine  teacher,  liable  to 
all  ordinary  errors,  as  likely  as  any  of  us  to  fall  into  great  sins. 

The    interest    we    feel    in    him    is    strong    and    personal We 

should  have  wished,  perhaps,  to  see  his  sun  set  with  peculiar  splen- 
dor;  to  be  told  of  some  great  acts,  or  to  hear  some  noble  words, 
which  would  assure  us  that  he  died  a  saint.  The  Bible  does  not  in 
the  least  gratify  this  expectation.  It  represents  him  in  the  bodily 
feebleness,  in  something  like  the  dotage  of  old  age.  The  last  sen- 
tences which  are  reported  of  him  concern  the  after-administration 
of  his  son's  kingdom,  and  the  punishment  of  some  of  his  mischiev- 
ous subjects.     Of  all  his  words,  they  are  perhaps  those  which  we 

least  care  to  remember Not  by  momentary  flashes  does   God 

bid  us  judge  of  our  fellow-creatures;  for  He  who  reads  the  heart 
and  sees  the  meaning  and  purpose  of  it,  judges  not  of  them  by 
these." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  "Be  thou  strong  therefore,  and  shew  thy- 
self a  man."  What  is  it  to  shew  one's  self  a  man,  and  how  may  I 
be   strong  in   the  truest   sense? 


98        STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     14:     DAVID,     THE    MAN     AFTER     GOD'S     OWN 

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6th  Day:    §  69.    David's  Charge  About  the  Temple;  the  Offer- 
ings and  the  Prayer   (i    Chron.   28:1 — 29:25) 

"Our  reverent  feeling  toward  God  is  always  in  danger  of  setting 
Him  afar  off,  as  if  He  did  not  care  for  and  had  little  to  do  with 
these  lives  that  He  has  made." — Brooks. 

1.  The  section  for  today  is  rich  in  its  revelation  of  David's  char- 
acter, and  of  the  nature  of  God  and  His  relation  to  character.  As 
you  read  (1  Chron.  28:1—29:25)  you  will  not  fail  to  get  vividly 
before  you  the  picture  of  the  aged  king  advising  his  young  son 
and  the  people  over  whom  he  was  to  rule  in  the  hearing  of  each 
other.  Note  the  emphasis  which  he  puts  upon  true  sincerity  of 
heart.  Observe  how  he  seizes  the  opportunity  for  securing  large 
contributions  to  the  Temple  fund,  and  himself  sets  an  example  of 
liberality.  Give  special  attention  to  David's  prayer,  which  is  the 
core  of  the  section. 

2.  "It  was  David's  supreme  peculiarity  that  he  was  sensitive  to 
the  presence  of  God,  to  the  thought  of  God,  to  the  working  of  God 

David  learned  in  early  life  heart-rest  in  God.     And  this  was 

the  dominating  force  of  his  life.  This  gave  him  his  uniqueness, 
his  individuality.  Here  was  a  man  to  whom  God  was  a  living,  bright 
reality.  Wherever  he  was,  he  was  with  God.  Into  whatever  com- 
pany he  went  he  carried  the  suggestion  of  God.  Back  of  David 
men  could  always  find  God So  it  may  be  said  that  David's  life- 
power  lay  in  his  personal  piety.  His  character — his  religious  char- 
acter— his  strong  sense  of  God  and  of  God's  direct  relations  to  every- 
thing that  concerned  him — these  give  the  revelation  which  was  carried 
in  the  person  of  David  to  all  generations.  It  is  plain  that  early  piety 
may  be  expected  to  unfold  into  a  life  of  steadfast  good.  This  man 
was  a  man  after  God's  own  heart  because  he  was  a  child  after 
God's  own  heart,  an  open-souled  child,  to  whom  the  sense  of  God 
would  come,  could  enter  in,  could  do  its  transforming  work." — 
Tuck. 

Personal  Thought  :  How  real  to  me,  and  how  constant  is  a 
sense  of  the  presence  of  God?  How  may  I  cultivate  this  sense? 
What  are  the  advantages  of  this  sense? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS        oo 

STUDY     14:    DAVID,     THE    MAN     AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 


7th  Day:     §  71.     The  Last  Words  of  David   (2  Sam.  23:1-7;   1 
Chron.  29:26-30;  1  Kings  2:10,  11) 

"The  hearts  of  men  are  their  books ;  events  are  their  tutors ;  great 
actions  are  their  eloquence." — Macaulay. 

1.  Read  2  Sam.  23:1-7.  Note:  (1)  What  is  said  of  David;  (2) 
What  of  his  rule;  (3)  The  figure  used  to  represent  the  results  of 
this  rule.  Think  into  the  full  force  of  this  in  the  light  of  the  rainy 
season  in  Palestine;  (4)  Consider  whether  the  portrait  here  drawn 
looks  forward  to  an  ideal  ruler;  (5)  Give  heed  to  the  marginal 
readings. 

2.  Read  1  Chron.  29  -.26-30.  Recall  the  occasion  on  which  Nathan 
is  mentioned  in  the  history  of  David ;  also  that  with  which  Gad 
was  associated.  Dwell  for  a  moment  once  more  on  the  uniformity 
of  David's  disposition  to  heed  the  prophetic  voice. 

Look  again  at  1  Sam.  13:14,  and  its  immediate  context,  and  read 
the  following:  "When  Samuel,  speaking  of  David,  said  that  he  was 
a  man  after  God's  own  heart,  he  did  not  mean  that  he  was  a  man 
sinlessly  perfect,  but  that  he  was  a  man  who  would  go  right  where 
Saul  had  gone  wrong;  a  man  who  would  regard  himself  not  as  su- 
preme in  the  state,  but  as  God's  vicegerent  there,  and  in  the  govern- 
ment of  the  people  would  aim  at  fulfilling  not  his  own  will,  but  the 
will  of  God." — Macgregor. 

3.  Read  the  following  very  slowly  and  note  to  what  extent  you 
approve  the  estimate  here  given :  "Perhaps  the  most  striking  charac- 
teristic of  the  life  of  David  is  its  romantic  variety  of  circumstances. 
None  of  the  great  men  of  Scripture  touched  human  life  at  so  many 
points.  His  character  also  was  singularly  full  and  versatile.  David 
is  like  his  own  harp  of  many  chords,  through  which  the  breath  of 
God  murmured,  drawing  forth  wailing  and  rejoicing,  the  clear  ring 
of  triumphant  trust,  the  low  plaint  of  penitence,  the  blended  har- 
monies of  all  devout  emotions.  The  man  had  faults — grave  enough. 
Let  it  be  remembered  that  no  one  has  judged  them  more  rigorously 

than  himself That  union  of  the  soldier  and  the  poet  gives  the 

life  a  peculiar  charm We  see  the  true  poetic  temperament,  with 

all   its  capacities   for  keenest  delight  and  sharpest  agony,   with  its 


ioo      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     14:    DAVID,    THE    MAN    AFTER    GOD'S     OWN 

HEART 


7th  Day:    §  71.    The  Last  Words  of  David 

tremulous  mobility,  its  openness  to  every  impression,  its  gaze  of 
childlike  wonder,  and  eager  welcome  to  whatsoever  things  are  lovely, 
its  simplicity  and  self-forgetfulness,  its  yearnings  'after  worlds  half 
realized/  its  hunger  for  love,  its  pity  and  its  tears.  He  was  made 
to  be  the  inspired  poet  of  the  religious  affections. 

"And  on  the  other  side,  we  see  the  greatest  qualities  of  a  military 

leader  of  the  antique  type Sagacious,  full  of  resource,  prudent 

in  counsel,  and  swift  as  lightning  in  act ;  frank  and  generous,  bold 
and  gentle,  cheery  in  defeat,  calm  in  peril,  patient  in  privations  and 
ready  to  share  them  with  his  men,  modest  and  self-restrained  in 
victory,  chivalrous  to  his  foes,  ever  watchful,  ever  hopeful — a  born 
leader  and  king  of  men. 

"The  basis  of  all  was  a  profound,  joyous  trust  in  his  Shepherd  God, 
an  ardor  of  personal  love  to  Him,  such  as  had  never  before  been 
expressed,  if  it  had  ever  found  place  in  Israel.  That  trust  'opened 
his  mouth  to  show  forth'  God's  praise,  and  strengthened  his  'fingers 
to  fight'  He  has  told  us  himself  what  was  his  habitual  temper,  and 
how  it  was  sustained:  T  have  set  the  Lord  always  before  me. 
Because  He  is  at  my  right  hand,  I  shall  not  be  moved.  Therefore 
my  heart  is  glad  and  my  glory  rejoiceth.' " — Maclaren. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  Lord  is  my  shepherd."  The  Oriental 
shepherd  knows  his  sheep ;  is  the  constant  companion  of  his  sheep ; 
leads,  protects,  and  provides  for  his  sheep.  "Lo,  this  God  is  our 
God,  He  will  be  our  guide  even  unto  death."  How  fully  do  I  take 
this  in?  Can  I  not  go  out  into  this  day  with  new  strength  because 
of  a   clearer   grasp  of  this  greatest   of    truths? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       101 
STUDY  15 :    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


1st  Day :    §  72.    Solomon  Established  upon  the  Throne  of  David 
(1  Kings  2:12-46) 

§  73.    The  Ideal  King  (Psalm  72) 

"After  all,  the  principal  work  in  life  for  any  man,  whatever  his 
calling  or  profession,  is  in  bringing  men  to  believe  in  the  Lord  Jesus 
Christ.  I  would  have  every  young  man  who  is  pursuing  a  liberal 
education,  bear  in  mind  that  it  is  not  through  scholarship  that  this 
work  is  to  be  done.  In  my  opinion,  the  best  specific  preparation  for 
this,  the  great  work  of  every  Christian's  life,  is  a  thorough  mastery 
of  the  English  Bible  from  Genesis  to  Revelation." — Principal  Coy. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  2  112-46,  noting  the  fact  that  the  request  of  Ado- 
nijah,  according  to  the  customs  of  those  days,  would  be  understood 
as  a  reassertion  of  his  claims  to  the  throne.  Interpret  David's 
last  words  to  Solomon,  §  71  (1  Kings  2:5-9),  in  the  light  of  this 
record. 

2.  Spend  a  little  time  thinking  out  and  estimating  the  influences 
brought  to  bear  upon  Solomon  up  to  the  time  of  his  coronation. 
Psalm  72  (§  73)  sets  forth  the  kingly  office  more  fully  and  more 
ideally  than  any  other  Old  Testament  passage.  It  is  traditionally 
ascribed  to  this  period  when  the  national  development  reached  its 
height. 

3.  Examine  the  Psalm,  asking  yourself  whether  it  might  be  an  ex- 
pression of  David's  wish  for  his  son.  Consider  the  universality,  the 
beneficence,  and  the  permanence  of  the  reign  here  described.  Sol- 
omon did  not  fulfil  the  hope  of  this  prayer.  Does  not  one  feel  in- 
stinctively that  a  greater  than  Solomon  is  here?  Did  not  Solomon 
at  his  best  serve  as  a  suggestion  of  David's  greater  Son? 

Personal  Thought:  What  measure  of  assurance  do  I  possess 
that  the  ideal  described  in  the  72d  Psalm  shall  one  day  be  realized? 
How  much  is  my  life  stimulated  and  directed  by  the  vision  of  this 
world  ruled  in  righteousness  by  Jesus  Christ? 


102       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  15 :    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


2d  Day:     §  74.     The  Wisdom  of   Solomon    (i   Kings   3:1 — 4:34; 
1  Chron.  1  7-13) 

"To  know 
That  which  before  us  lies  in  daily  life, 
Is  the  prime  wisdom." — Milton. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  3-1-28,  making  a  record  of  such  thoughts  as 
impress  you.  Merely  glance  at  vv.  1-28  of  the  following  chapter 
(1  Kings  4),  and  read  vv.  29-34. 

Three  books  of  the  Bible  are  commonly  ascribed  to  Solomon — The 
Proverbs,  Ecclesiastes,  and  the  Song  of  Songs.  After  a  good  deal  of 
what  we  believe  to  be  unprejudiced  investigation,  we  cannot  say  that 
we  are  sure  that  tradition  is  totally  misleading  here.  Of  the  Song  of 
Songs,  Farrar  in  Solomon:  His  Life  and  Times,  pp.  171-173,  says: 
"Perhaps  the  conjecture  may  be  too  bold,  but  if  the  beautiful  Shula- 
mite  had  her  prototype  in  Abishag,  whom  Adonijah  sought  in  mar- 
riage, and  the  mere  mention  of  whose  name  made  Solomon  flame 
in  pitiless  anger,  then  the  poet  may  conceivably  have  meant  to  point 
a  silent  contrast  between  the  mother  of  Solomon,  who  though  wedded 
and  rich,  yielded  with  disgraceful  facility  to  the  temptations  of  a 
guilty  king,  and  'the  fairest  among  women/  the  village  maiden,  who 
inflexibly  resisted  a  more  innocent  advance." 

2.  The  central  theme  of  the  Song  of  Songs  is  found  in  8  :6,  7. 
"Love  is  strong  as  death.  Many  waters  cannot  quench  love."  Read 
the  verses.  The  Song  of  Songs  in  form  is  idyllic.  It  "tells  us  in 
dramatic  form  of  how  pure  love  in  humble  life  triumphed  over  the 
splendid  seductions  of  a  royal  wooer." 

3.  Recur  in  thought,  for  a  moment,  to  the  choice  of  Solomon  with 
which  this  day's  Study  began. 

Personal  Thought:  "Seek  ye  first  the  kingdom  of  God  and  His 
righteousness  and  all  these  things  shall  be  added  unto  you"  (Matt. 
6:33).  What  application  has  this  verse  to  the  case  of  Solomon? 
How  completely  dominant  over  my  life  is  the  command  here  given? 
What  definite  experience  have  I  had  of  the  truth  of  this  promise? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       103 
STUDY  15:    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


3d  Day:     §  77.    The   Books   Commonly   Attributed  to    Solomon 

"The  nobler  the  truth  or  sentiment,  the  less  imports  the  question 
of    authorship." — Emerson. 

1.  Following  is  a  practical  outline  of  the  book  of  Proverbs  : 
Superscription  and  introduction,  Chap.  1:1-6. 

I.  The  Wisdom  section,  Chaps.  1:7 — 9:18. 

Here  are   set   forth   the   blessings    of   wisdom,   and   the   dangers   of 
unchastity.     In  every  chapter  is  found  the  expression,  "My  son." 

II.  The  great  collection  of  moral,  religious  and  prudential  precepts, 
with  appendices.     Chaps.  10:1 — 24:34. 

1.  Single-sentence  maxims,   Chaps.   10:1 — 22:17. 

2.  Appendix  1,  Chaps.  22:18 — 24:22. 

3.  Appendix  2,  Chap.  24  :23-34. 

III.  Gleanings     by     the     men     of     Hezekiah,     with     appendices, 

Chaps.  25  :i — 31 131. 

1.  The  Hezekiah  collection,  Chaps.  25:1 — 29:27. 

2.  Appendix  1,  The  words  of  Agur,  Chap.  30:1-33- 

3.  Appendix  2,  The  words  of  Lemuel,  Chap.  31  H-31. 

2.  Spend  a  few  minutes  only  on  Prov.  Chaps.  1-9  as  a  whole, 
underlining  the  expression,  "My  son"  and  the  word  "wisdom,"  and 
allowing  your  mind  to  dwell  on  a  verse  here  and  there  as  it  is 
inclined.     Chap.  3:13-18  is  a  good  passage  to  memorize. 

3.  Read  aloud  Proverbs,  Chap.  I,  checking  with  pencil  in  the 
margin  most  striking  sentiments.     Read  James   1:5-8;  3:13-18. 

Personal  Thought:  Note  the  sentiment  of  two  or  three  pas- 
sages which  you  checked  with  pencil  as  you  read,  and  ask  yourself 
why  you  marked  them.    Test  your  life  by  them  and  by  Prov.  2  13-5. 


104       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  15 :    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


4th  Day:    §  75.    The  Temple  and  the   Palace  of   Solomon    (i 
Kings  5  :i— 8:66;  2  Chron.  2:1—7:10) 

"Every  student  needs  a  wider  life  and  a  deeper  life.  Christ  did 
those  two  things  for  His  disciples.  He  widened  the  circle  of  their 
ideas,  and  He  deepened  the  intensity  of  their  convictions.  The 
hardest  things  in  the  world  to  unite  are  breadth  of  apprehension 
with  intensity  of  convictions." — President  Faunce. 

1.  While  many  modern  critics  have  questioned  (for  reasons 
which  we  think  inconclusive)  the  Solomonic  authorship  of  Proverbs, 
Chaps.  1 — 9,  there  is  general  agreement  that  the  bulk  of  the  remain- 
der of  the  book  is  Solomon's.  No  more  time  can  be  given  in  these 
Studies  to  these  valuable  precepts,  but  the  student  is  advised  himself 
to  make  place  for  them,  if  at  all  possible.  If  you  find  that  the 
directions  here  given  do  not  consume  all  your  time  for  daily  Bible 
study,  read  a  chapter  from  the  Proverbs  in  addition  each  morning 
until  you  have  completed  the  book.  Mark  the  most  striking  proverb 
of  each  chapter. 

2.  Read  I  Kings  8:12-66,  for  its  revelation  of  God  as  conceived 
by  Solomon,  and  for  its  revelation  of  Solomon  at  his  best.  Note 
what  is  said  about  the  stranger.  In  this  is  part  of  the  revelation  of 
God  here  given. 

3.  Read  Acts  7 146-49  J  John  4  :2i-23. 

Personal  Thought:  Continuing  on  this  passage  in  John,  con- 
sider the  Father  as  the  object  of  worship.  Think  of  the  meaning 
of  worship.  It  is  worthship.  The  Father  seeks  those  who  appre- 
ciate and  acknowledge  His  worth.  What  place  in  my  devotions  does 
worship  have  ?  How  am  I  to  grow  in  appreciation  of  the  worthiness 
of  God? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      105 
STUDY  15 :    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


gth  Day:    §  76.    The   Glory  and  the   Decline  of   Solomon    (i 
Kings  9:1 — 11:42;  2  Chron.  2:1 — 7:10) 

"In  your  morning  watch,  let  renewal  of  surrender  to  absolute  obe- 
dience for  the  day  be  prominent:  let  confession  and  prayer  be  defin- 
ite. Let  your  outlook  on  the  day  you  are  entering  upon  be  a 
very  determined  resolve  that  obedience  to  God  shall  be  its  controll- 
ing principle." — Murray. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  9:1-9.  Compare  the  parallel  passage,  2  Chron. 
7:11-22.  Recall  the  time  and  occasion  and  message  of  the  former 
dream.  (See  1  Kings  3:5  ff.  Compare  1  Kings  6:38;  7:1;  and  see 
2  Chron.  8:1  for  time.)  It  would  appear  that  this  second  com- 
munication from  God  came  to  Solomon  at  or  near  the  middle  of  his 
reign.  The  second  twenty  years  of  Solomon's  reign  witnessed  his 
greatest  external,  political  glory  and  his  religious  decline.  Did  you 
notice  the  note  of  warning  in  this  second  dream? 

2.  Have  you  yet  noticed  a  marked  difference  between  the 
record  of  David's  life  and  that  of  Solomon?  David  as  a  man  is 
much  more  fully  set  before  us,  and  in  the  record  of  him  is  much  of 
spiritual  instructiveness ;  whereas  Solomon's  life  is  composed  mainly 
of  details  about  commerce,  buildings  and  organizations.  Solomon, 
the  official,  is  more  prominent  than  Solomon,  the  man. 

Personal  Thought  :  In  my  best  moments — when  the  unseen  and 
eternal  is  most  real  to  me,  and  when  visions  of  God  and  self  come — 
am  I  warned  against  anything  which  I  am  allowing?  I  may  be  able 
to  pray  in  public  better  than  ten  years  ago,  but  how  much  stronger 
am  I  in  my  heart  against  the  seductions  of  sin? 


io6       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  15:    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


6th  Day:    §  j6.    The   Glory  and   the  Decline   of   Solomon    (I 
Kings  9:1 — 11:42;  2  Chron.   7:11 — 9:31) 

"Tis  but  the  moral  of  all  human  tales: 
'Tis  but  the  same  rehearsal  of  the  past: 
First  freedom  and  then  glory:  when  that  fails, 
Wealth,  vice,  corruption — barbarism  at  last." — Selected. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  Chap.  11.  Why  is  the  account  of  Solomon's 
apostasy  not  found  in  Chronicles?  Spend  a  moment  or  two  on  Dia- 
grams XVI  and  XVII,  noting  the  time,  purpose,  etc.,  of  the  writing 
of  the  Kings  and  Chronicles.  What  indications  have  you  that  Sol- 
omon's religious  decline  was  gradual?  Does  the  passage  for  today, 
compared  with  2  Chron.  8:11,  furnish  one?  What  was  the  secret 
of  this  failure?    What  reason  is  given  in  today's  passage? 

2.  What  is  your  opinion  of  the  following  estimates  of  Solomon? 
"I  have  not  read  of  any  king  who  so  belied  the  promise  of  his 
early  days,  and  on  whom  prosperity  produced  so  fatal  an  apostasy 
as  Solomon." — Lord. 

"Saul,  with  his  early  meekness  and  magnanimity,  and  his  troubled 
soul,  and  his  tragic  end ;  David,  in  his  heroism,  and  his  fall,  and  his 
penitence,  are  far  more  interesting  and  significant  figures  for  man- 
kind than  the  brilliant  builder  and  trafficker  who  grew  into  an  uxo- 
rious, a  ruined  and  an  apostate  autocrat.  The  story  of  Solomon  is 
the  story  of  one  whose  heart  was  perverted  and  his  will  enervated 
by  luxury  and  pride." — Farrar. 

"Saul  was  self-willed ;  David  was  self-subdued ;  Solomon  was  self- 
contained.  The  religion  of  Saul  was  associational ;  the  religion  of 
David  was  personal;  the  religion  of  Solomon  was  official.  The 
story  may  be  read  in  yet  another  light.  Man  is  a  composite  being, 
and  each  man  has  to  decide  which  part  of  himself  shall  rule  the 
whole.  Saul  made  the  body  rule;  David  made  the  heart  rule,  and 
Solomon  made  the  mind  rule.  So  these  first  three  kings  illustrate 
primary  religious  truths  for  all  the  ages." — Tuck. 

Personal  Thought:  "His  heart  was  not  perfect  with  the  Lord 
his  God,  as  was  the  heart  of  David  his  father."  From  my  knowledge 
of  David  what  characteristic  of  his  do  I  understand  the  writer  to 
have  in  mind  when  he  wrote  these  words  ?  Is  my  heart  perfect  with 
God  in  this  sense? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       107 
STUDY  15:    SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


7th  Day:    §  yy.    The  Books   Commonly  Attributed  to   Solomon 
(Canticles,  Proverbs  and  Ecclesiastes) 

"Lord,  before  I  commit  a  sin  it  seems  to  me  so  shallow  that  I  may- 
wade  through  it  dry-shod  from  any  guiltiness ;  but  when  I  have  com- 
mitted it,  it  often  seems  so  deep  that  I  cannot  escape  without  drown- 
ing. Thus  I  am  always  in  the  extremities;  either  my  sins  are  so 
small  that  they  need  not  my  repentance,  or  so  great  that  they  can- 
not obtain  Thy  pardon.  Lend  me,  O  Lord,  a  reed  out  of  Thy  sanc- 
tuary truly  to  measure  the  dimensions  of  my  offenses.  But  O,  as 
Thou  revealest  to  me  more  of  my  misery,  reveal  also  more  of  Thy 
mercy." — Thomas  Fuller. 

1.  The  following  from  the  apocryphal  book  of  Ecclesiasticus  (not 
Ecclesiastes)  47:13-21,  well  marks  the  stages  of  Solomon's  career: 
"Solomon  reigned  in  a  peaceable  time,  and  was  honored ;  for  God 
made  all  quiet  round  about  him,  that  he  might  build  an  house  in 
His  name,  and  prepare  His  sanctuary  forever.  How  wise  wast  thou 
in  thy  youth,  and  as  a  flood,  filled  with  understanding !  Thy  soul 
covered  the  whole  earth,  and  thou  filledst  it  with  dark  parables.  Thy 
name  went  far  into  the  islands ;  and  for  thy  peace  thou  wast  beloved. 
The  countries  marveled  at  thee  for  thy  songs,  and  proverbs,  and 
parables,  and  interpretations.  By  the  name  of  the  Lord  God,  which 
is  called  the  Lord  God  of  Israel,  thou  didst  gather  gold  as  tin, 
and  didst  multiply  silver  as  lead.  Thou  didst  bow  thy  loins  unto 
women,  and  by  thy  body  thou  wast  brought  into  subjection.  Thou 
didst  stain  thy  honor,  and  pollute  thy  seed:  so  that  thou  broughtest 
wrath  upon  thy  children,  and  wast  grieved  for  thy  folly.  So  the 
kingdom  was  divided,  and  out  of  Ephraim  ruled  a  rebellious  king- 
dom." 

Apart  from  all  questions  of  authorship,  there  is  a  fitness  in  the  as- 
sociation of  the  Song  of  Songs  with  the  pious  youth  of  Solomon, 
the  Proverbs  with  his  prosperous  manhood,  and  the  book  of  Ec- 
clesiastes with  his  later  and  declining  years. 

2.  Key  expressions  and  words  are  in  Ecclesiastes:  (1)  "Under 
the  sun,"  which  occurs  about  thirty  times;  (2)  "under  heaven"; 
(3)  "on  the  earth";  (4)  vanity,  work,  no  profit,  toil,  etc. 

The  thought  of  the  book  of  Ecclesiastes  may  be   stated  in  the 


108       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 
STUDY  is :     SOLOMON,  THE  SON  OF  DAVID 


7th  Day:  §  77.  The  Books  Commonly  Attributed  to  Solomon 
(Canticles,  Proverbs  and  Ecclesiastes).  Con- 
tinued 

words  of  1  Cor.  7:31:  "Use  the  world,  as  not  abusing  it:  for  the 
fashion  of  this  world  passeth  away."  The  theme  might  be  stated 
thus:    A  discussion  of  the  abuse  and  use  of  this  world. 

The  theme  as  developed  might  be  stated  thus: 

I.  The  abuse  of  the  world  is  folly.     Note  the  expression  "under 
the  sun."    This  proved: 

I.     By  an  exhaustive  personal  experience. 
^  2.     By  extensive  observation. 

3.     By   consideration    of   various    forms   of   so-called    earthly 
good. 

II.  The  use  of  the  world  should  be  moderate  and  in  the  light  of 
two  facts: 

1.  What  you  enjoy  is  God's  gift. 

2.  Remember  that  the  judgment  is  coming. 

3.  The  book  does  not  yield  satisfactorily  to  an  outline.  The  fol- 
lowing is  as  good  as  any: 

Prologue — The  problem — 1:1-11. 

I.  The  Highest  Good  not  found  in  wisdom,  pleasures,  or  toil, 

Chaps.  1,  2. 

II.  The  Highest  good  not  found  in  commercial  or  political 

pursuits,  Chaps.  3,  4,  5. 

III.  The  Highest  Good  not  found  in  wealth  and  the  golden 
^  mean,  Chaps.  6 — 8:15. 

IV.  The  Highest  Good  found  in  enjoying  present  and  hoping 

for  future  good,  Chaps.  8:16 — 12:7. 

Epilogue — The  solution,  Chap.  12:8-14. 

Give  attention  for  the  remainder  of  your  time  today  to  the  epilogue 
(Chap.  12:8-14).  If  possible  before  passing  to  the  next  Study, 
read  the  entire  book  without  interruption  in  the  light  of  suggestions 
given  above. 

Personal  Thought:  Meditate  upon  the  prayer  found  at  the 
head  of  this  day.     Ask  God  to  help  you  to  make  it  in  reality  your 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       109 

STUDY  16:    KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


1st  Day:    §  78.    Rehoboam    of   Judah   and   Jeroboam    of   Israel 
(1  Kings  11:26 — 14:31;  2  Chron.  9:31 — 12:16) 

"Early  and  provident  fear  is  the  mother  of  safety."— Burke. 

1.  Discover  in  1  Kings  11:26-40:  (1)  What  is  said  of  Jero- 
boam's ancestry,  character,  and  ability;  (2)  What  is  said  about 
David;  (3)  The  reasons  assigned  for  giving  Jeroboam  ten  tribes; 
(4)  The  condition  on  which  his  kingdom  would  be  established. 

2.  Look  up  on  a  map  the  location  of  the  tribe  of  Ephraim  to 
which  Jeroboam  belonged.  Ephraim  was  the  son  of  Joseph  the 
great  ruler  of  the  past  time.  Joseph's  bones  were  in  the  North 
country  (see  Exodus  13:19;  Joshua  24:32).  Note  in  this  connec- 
tion where  Rehoboam  went  to  be  made  king  (1  Kings  12:1). 
Joshua  belonged  to  Ephraim  also.  These  facts  throw  light  upon 
and  explain  the  significance  of  the  revolt  against  Judah  as  headed 
by  the  tribe  of  Ephraim.    Think  down  into  this. 

3.  Examine  1  Kings  12:1-20  for:  (1)  Its  revelation  of  the  char- 
acter of  Rehoboam,  (2)  Some  new  light  on  the  character  of  Solo- 
mon. In  the  advice  of  the  old  men  is  found  a  suggestion  of  the 
influences  of  the  last  days  of  David,  and  in  that  of  the  young  men, 
a  suggestion  of  the  influences  of  the  last  days  of  Solomon.  Think 
on  the  lowering  of  the  level  of  morality  which  must  have  occurred 
during  the  reign  of  Solomon. 

Personal  Thought:    "He took  counsel  with  the  young  men 

that  were  grown  up  with  him,  that  stood  before  him."  Whose  coun- 
sel do  I  seek?  What  should  one  be  on  double  guard  to  avoid  in 
seeking  counselors?  Does  the  Wonderful  Counselor  have  His  place 
in  my  life? 


no       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  16:    KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


2d  Day:    §  78.    Rehoboam    of   Judah    and    Jeroboam    of    Israel 
(1  Kings  11:26—14:31;  2  Chron.  9:31—12:16) 

"When  the  Lord  changes  our  petitions  in  His  answers  it  is  always 
for  the  better.  He  regards  (according  to  that  well  known  word 
of  St.  Augustine)  our  well  more  than  our  will.  We  beg  deliverance ; 
we  are  not  unanswered  if  He  give  patience  and  support." — Robert 
Leighton. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  12:21-33.  Who  was  the  messenger  of  God  to 
Rehoboam?  Did  Rehoboam  show  any  disposition  to  consult  God 
about  plans?  Who  had  before  advised  Jeroboam  of  God's  will? 
What  indication  is  there  that  Jeroboam,  after  becoming  king,  did  not 
seek  this  prophet's  advice,  or  that  of  any  other  man  of  God?  Note 
the  expression  in  v.  30.  "And  this  thing  became  a  sin."  Locate 
Bethel  and  Dan. 

2.  Note  what  is  said  in  2  Chron.  11:1-23  about  the  migration 
of  the  God-fearing  priests  and  people. 

3.  What  is  Shemaiah  called  in  2  Chron.  12:15?  What  was  he 
called  in  the  record  of  yesterday?  .(See  2  Chron.  11:2.)  Re-read 
2  Chron.  12:12-14,  and  1  Kings  14:21-31,  and  estimate  the  charac- 
ter  of   Rehoboam. 

Personal  Thought:  "He  did  that  which  was  evil,  because  he 
set  not  his  heart  to  seek  the  Lord."  What  is  it  to  set  the  heart  to 
seek  the  Lord?  What  is  there  in  setting  the  heart  to  seek  the  Lord 
which  delivers  from  evil  doing? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      in 

STUDY   16:    KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


3d  Day:     §  79.    A  Man  of  God  and  an  Old  Prophet   (i   Kings 
I3.I-34) 

"In  the  absence  of  a  clear  command,  stay  where  you  are  and  do 
your  stint  as  if  it  were  the  finishing  touches  of  the  universe.  Wait 
on  close  and  present  duty.  Let  only  a  clear,  sharp  call  cause  you 
to  look  up.  Be  willing  and  obedient  and  busy.  God  will  make  you 
hear." — Wooley. 

1.  The  quotation  given  above  has  a  special  application  to  the 
incident  related  in  today's  portion.     Be  looking  for  it. 

Read  1  Kings  13:1-34. 

"It  is  not  difficult  to  trace  the  inducements  which  led  to  the  ut- 
terance of  that  lie.  The  old  prophet  was  one  of  those  whose  souls 
had  once  been  visited  by  the  visions  of  the  Most  High.  But  they 
seem  to  have  vanished  from  him.  His  continued  residence  at 
Bethel,  now  that  it  had  become  the  house  of  idols,  was  an  actual  in- 
stance and  for  the  future  an  unlimited  promise  of  compliance  with 
evil.  In  such  an  one,  painfully  conscious  of  the  fading  away  of  the 
prophetic  power,  there  would,  of  necessity,  be  a  craving  for  ac- 
knowledgment by  a  brother  in  the  great  company  of  the  prophets, 

even   for   the   satisfaction  of  his   own   uneasy  conscience The 

temptation  to  the  other  came  in  so  seductive  a  shape — for  old  proph- 
ets counselling  ease  to  kill  the  self-denying  zeal  of  younger  spirits, 

are  ever  Satan's  chosen  instruments He  who  had  received  his 

own  command  direct  from  God,  suffered  it  to  be  overborne  by  the 

word  of  a  man Surely  we  must  read  in  such  a  spectacle  the 

glory   and   the   risk  of   being   the   servant   of  the   jealous    God." — 
Wilberforce. 

Personal  Thought:  Dwell  upon  the  last  sentence  above  and 
upon  the  quotation  at  the  head  of  the  page. 


112       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  16:    KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


4th  Day:    §  80.    Ahijah  the  Prophet  and  Jeroboam  the  King 
(1  Kings  14  :i-2o). 

§  81.    Abijam    of   Judah    and   Jeroboam     of    Israel 
(2  Chron.  13:1-22) 

"You  do  not  educate  a  man  by  telling  him  what  he  knew  not,  but 
by  making  him  what  he  was  not,  and  what  he  will  remain  forever." 
— Ruskin. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  14:1-20.  What  is  the  most  striking  fact  or 
lesson  here  set  forth?  Do  not  miss  the  point,  which  seems  to  be 
plain,  that  Jeroboam  did  not  trouble  himself  about  true  prophets  until 
he  himself  got  into  trouble.  Has  there  been  any  intimation  in  the 
record  that  he  ever  consulted  Ahijah  after  the  announcement  that 
he  should  be  king,  until  this  time? 

2.  Note  the  omission  (2  Chron.  13:5)  by  Ahijah  of  the  condition 
upon  which  the  throne  was  to  be  established.  (Compare  Psalms 
132:12 — 89:30-32).  Yet  it  is  involved  in  later  statements  (2  Chron. 
13:11,  12,  18).    What  is  the  great  lesson  of  this  passage? 

Personal  Thought:  Dwell  upon  the  quotation  by  Ruskin  above, 
and  upon  the  last  verses  referred  to.  What  is  it  to  acknowledge 
God  in  all  one's  ways?  What  was  Jeroboam's  fatal  mistake  in  the 
light  of  Proverbs  3:5? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      113 

STUDY   16:    KINGS  AND   PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


5th  Day:    §  82.    The  Kings  Abijam  and  Asa  of  Judah  (i  Kings 
15:1-24) 

§  83.    The    Chronicler's   Account  of   Asa   of  Judah 
(2  Chron.  14:1 — 16:14  (cf.  1  Kings  15:9-24) 

"Spend  the  time  you  have  spent  in  sighing  for  fruits,  in  fulfilling 
the  conditions  of  their  growth.  The  fruits  will  come,  must  come." 
— Selected. 

1.  Give  two  minutes  each  to  Diagrams  XVIII,  XIX  and  XX,  and 
spend  three  minutes  on  Diagram  XXI. 

2.  Read  1  Kings  15:1-8.  Read  again  v.  3.  Refresh  your  memory 
about  the  sins  of  Jeroboam  by  glancing  at  1  Kings  14  :2i-24.  Have 
you  noticed  how  often  David  is  referred  to  as  a  standard  in  this 
history?  Note  the  expression  in  v.  7  ff.  Yesterday's  passage  taken 
from  Chronicles  is  an  expansion  of  this. 

3.  Read  1  Kings  15  :9-24.  Look  at  Diagram  XXII.  What  influ- 
ences upon  Asa  in  early  life  would  incline  him  towards  evil? 
What  two  persons  mentioned  would  naturally  have  large  influence 
over  him?  How  do  you  account  for  his  zeal  for  good?  Who  estab- 
lished the  schools  of  the  prophets?  Were  there  active  teachers  of 
the  true  faith  at  this  time?  Do  you  recall  the  names  of  any 
prophets  or  seers  lately  mentioned?     Glance  at  Diagram  XXI. 

Read  2  Chron.  14:1 — 15:8,  noting  especially  14:11  and  15*1-8; 
and  think  about  what  light  these  last  verses  throw  upon  questions 
asked  above? 

Personal  Thought  :  In  order  to  be  able  truly  to  make  the  pray- 
er of  2  Chron.  14:11,  what  must  be  true  of  the  enterprise  in  which 
one  is  engaged  ?    Note :  "in  Thy  name,"  "against  Thee." 


H4       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  16:    KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


6th  Day:    §  83.    The   Chronicler's   Account   of   Asa  of  Judah 
(2  Chron.  14:1—16:14;  cf.  1  Kings  15:9-24) 

"When  you  are  studying,  study;  when  you  are  recreating,  re- 
create. Do  one  thing  at  a  time,  and  what  you  are  doing,  do  with 
your  might;  take  hold  sharp,  and  let  go  sharp." — Bushnell. 

1.  Read  2  Chron.  15  :8 — 16:14.  In  the  light  of  this  account,  how 
must  the  statements  that  Asa's  heart  was  perfect  all  his  days  be 
understood?    Is  there  not  a  reference  to  idolatry  here? 

2.  Give  a  moment  or  two  to  Diagram  XXIII.  Can  a  revival 
be  made  to  order?  Read  again  2  Chron.  15:13.  What  now  do  you 
think  of  the  expression  in  yesterday's  portion  (1  Kings  15:14), 
"Asa's  heart  was  perfect,  but  the  high  places  were  not  taken  away"? 
Was  not  the  intention  and  effort  of  the  king  one  thing,  and  the 
practice  of  the  people  another? 

3.  Note  2  Chron.  16:7-10,  and  think  about  the  teaching.  Here 
is  an  early  instance  of  conflict  between  king  and  prophet.  We  shall 
have  more  of  this.  Recall  David's  treatment  of  the  prophets.  Verse 
9  is  a  good  one  to  be  memorized. 

The  statement  in  v.  12  implies  that  Asa  ignored  God;  that  in  his 
distress  he  refused  to  recognize  God,  and  sought  human  aid  alone. 
The  sin  was  not  in  seeking  to  the  physicians,  but  in  putting  God 
aside. 

What  is  your  estimate  of  Asa's  character?  Can  the  great  lesson 
of  Asa's  life  be  stated  better  than  in  2  Chron.  15  :3ft?  What  is 
your  estimate  of  the  God  of  Asa? 

Personal  Thought:  What  effect  upon  me  has  the  teaching  that 
God  is  continually  discerning  the  thoughts  and  intents  of  the  heart ; 
that  one's  ways  are  before  the  eyes  of  the  Lord?  Do  I  shrink  from 
Him,  or  do  I  welcome  the  fullest  investigation?  What  considera- 
tions will  encourage  the  habit  of  taking  God  into  fullest  confidence 
in  everything? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       115 

STUDY  16:    KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  PRE-ASSYRIAN 

TIMES 


7th  Day:    §  84.    The  Five  Kings  of  Israel  next  after  Jeroboam 
(1  Kings  15:25 — 16:27) 

"No  action,  whether  foul  or  fair, 
Is  ever  done,  but  it  leaves  somewhere 
A  record,  written  by  fingers  ghostly, 
As  a  blessing  or  a  curse,  and  mostly 
In  the  greater   weakness   or  greater   strength 
Of  the  acts  which  follow  it." — Longfellow. 

1.  Give  two  or  three  minutes  to  review  of  Diagrams  XIX,  XX 
and  XXI. 

2.  The  First  King,  Nadab  the  son  of  Jeroboam.  Read  1  Kings 
15  ^25-32.  What  was  the  sin  wherewith  Jeroboam  made  Israel  to 
sin?    Read  1  Kings  12:26-33. 

The  Second  King,  Baasha  an  usurper.  Read  1  Kings  15 :33 — 
16:7.  Note  specially  the  reason  given  in  Chap.  16:7  for  the  dis- 
pleasure of  the  Lord. 

The  Third  King,  Elah  the  son  of  Baasha.  Read  1  Kings  16:6-10. 
What  light  does  the  passage  yield  on  his  character? 

The  Fourth  King,  Zimri  an  usurper.    Read  1  Kings  16:11-20. 

The  Fifth  King,  Omri  founder  of  the  fourth  dynasty.  Read  1 
Kings  16:21-28.  Note  the  emphasis  of  Omri's  wickedness,  and 
that  he  founded  Samaria.  Read  Micah  6:16.  Glance  at  Diagram 
XVIII,  for  general  idea  of  the  relation  of  the  times  of  Omri  and 
Micah. 

3.  What  is  the  great  lesson  of  this  record?  What  is  the  appli- 
cation of  the  quotation  from  Longfellow? 

Personal  Thought:  Re-read  the  words  of  Longfellow  above 
and  think  of  the  evil  which  Jeroboam  did  after  his  day.  What  lay 
at  the  root  of  all  the  evil?  Am  I  sure  that  I  am  keeping  myself 
from  idols? 


u6       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     17:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


1st  Day:    §  85.    Elijah   and  the  Famine  in   Ahab's  Time    (i 
Kings  16:28 — 19:21) 

"You  can  do  whatever  you  earnestly  undertake." — Stonewall  Jack- 
son. 

1.  Read  1  Kings  16:28-34  to  know  what  kind  of  a  man  Ahab 
was. 

2.  Read  James  5:16,  17,  observing  marginal  renderings. 

Read  1  Kings  17:1.  What  according  to  the  passage  in  James 
preceded  this  message  to  man?  What  have  we  learned,  in  lives 
already  studied,  about  the  place  of  training  in  secret  before  a  public 
career? 

3.  Read  1  Kings,  18th  chapter.  What  is  the  great  lesson  of  the 
passage?  Reflect  on  Elijah  in  the  presence  of:  (1)  Obadiah; 
(2)  Ahab;  (3)  The  false  prophets;  (4)  God. 

Read  James  5  :  18. 

Personal  Thought:  "How  long  halt  ye  between  two  opinions? 
If  the  Lord  be  God,  follow  Him :  but  if  Baal,  then  follow  him." 
Here  indecision  in  opinion  was  the  result  of  indecision  in  practice. 
To  what  degree,  if  at  all,  is  failure  to  act  the  cause  of  my  unbe- 
lief? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       117 

STUDY     17:     KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


2d  Day:     §  85.    Elijah    and   the    Famine   in    Ahab's    Time    (i 
Kings  16:28 — 19:21) 

§  86.    Ahab    of    Israel    and    Benhadad    of    Syria    (i 
Kings  20:1-43) 

§  87.    Ahab  of  Israel  and  Naboth  the  Jezreelite   (i 
Kings  21:1-29) 

The  following  prayer  was  prepared  by  Dr.  Arnold  of  Rugby  for 
his  personal,  daily  use  before  going  into  the  schoolroom: 

"O  Lord,  I  have  a  busy  world  around  me;  eye,  ear  and  thought 
will  be  needed  for  my  work  to  be  done  in  that  busy  world.  Now, 
ere  I  enter  upon  it,  I  would  commit  eye,  ear  and  thought  to  Thee. 
Do  Thou  bless  them,  and  keep  their  work  Thine;  that,  as  through 
Thy  natural  laws  my  heart  beats  and  my  blood  flows  without  any 
thought  of  mine  for  them,  so  my  spiritual  life  may  hold  on  its 
course  at  these  times  when  my  mind  cannot  consciously  turn  to 
Thee  to  commit  each  particular  thought  to  Thy  service." 

"He  knoweth  our  frame;  He  remembereth  that  we  are  dust." 

Read  1  Kings  19  :i-2i,  for  an  illustration  of  the  truth  of  the 
above  words.  Note  the  order  in  v.  10,  and  the  "burning  of  his 
bridges  behind  him,"  by  Elisha,  v.  21. 

Read  1  Kings  21  for  its  revelation  of  human  character  in:  (1) 
Ahab;  (2)  Jezebel;  (3)  Elijah;  (4)  Naboth. 

Personal  Thought:  Am  I  allowing  persons  to  influence  me 
against  my  better  judgment  as  Ahab  did?  Dwell  on  the  contrast 
between  Elisha  by  Elijah  (Chap.  19)  and  Ahab  met  by  Elijah 
(Chap.  21). 


n8       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 


STUDY     17:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


3d  Day:     §  88.    Ahab  of   Israel  and   Micaiah  the  Prophet    (i 
Kings   22:1-40;    2    Chron.    18:1-34) 

"In  life's  small  things  be  resolute  and  great 
To   keep   thy   muscle   trained ;   knowest   thou   when   Fate 
Thy  measure  takes,  or  when  she'll  say  to  thee, 
T  find  thee  worthy;  do  this  deed  for  me'?" — Lowell. 

1.  Read  this  most  instructive  selection,  1  Kings  23:1-40,  allow- 
ing the  attention  to  be  concentrated  upon  the  moral  heroism  of  the 
prophet  Micaiah.  Do  not  be  diverted  from  this  by  curious  ques- 
tions. We  shall  learn  more  later  about  the  character  and  methods 
of  false  prophets.  The  words  of  Ahab  indicate  that  he  had  met 
Micaiah  before.  Josephus  said  it  was  he  who  condemned  Ahab  for 
letting  Benhadad  go  free. 

2.  Micaiah  speaks  ironically.  Did  you  discover  this  in  reading? 
Give  due  weight  to  the  fact  that  Ahab  preferred  false  prophets  after 
having  been  warned  by  the  true  prophets.  Recall  here  his  contact 
with  Elijah.     Read  Micah  3:5,  6. 

3.  The  special  severity  of  the  test  of  Micaiah  was  that  the 
encounter  was  not  with  prophets  of  Baal,  but  with  men  who 
professed  themselves  to  be  even  as  he  was,  prophets  of  Jehovah. 
"The  gift  of  prophecy  could,  it  seems  plain,  be  turned  by  the  re- 
ceiver into  evil.  He  might  trifle  with  it,  he  might  dumb  its  utter- 
ance through  fear  of  man The  crisis  of  his  moral  trial  had  been 

accomplished  when  first  for  fear  or  for  gain,  he  tampered  conscious- 
ly with  the  truth;  when  he  'divined  for  money.'  Now  he  was  the 
victim  of  what  he  then  chose.  We  read  not  so  much  of  the  false 
prophets  prophesying  consciously  a  lie  as  of  their  seeing  lying 
visions  and  so  uttering  deceits." — Wilberforce. 

Personal  Thought:  What  influences  are  brought  to  bear  upon 
me  to  induce  me  to  believe,  speak  and  live  a  lie?  How  may  I 
resist  them?  How  may  I  determine  who  are  true  prophets  today 
and  who  are  false?  How  does  my  judgment  of  preachers  today 
compare  with  that  of  Ahab? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       119 

STUDY     17:     KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


4th  Day:     §  89.    Jehoshaphat  King  of  Judah  (i  Kings  22:41-50; 
2  Chron.  17:1 — 21:1) 

"You  have  no  business  with  consequences :  you  are  to  tell  the 
truth." — Johnson. 

1.  In  1  Kings  22 :4i-50  is  an  interesting  summary  about  Je- 
hoshaphat. We  learn  there  that:  (1)  He  walked  in  all  the  ways 
of  his  father  Asa;  (2)  He  made  peace  with  the  king  of  Israel;  (3) 
He  put  the  remnant  of  the  Sodomites  out  of  the  land.  You  will 
recall  from  yesterday  what  Jehoshaphat  did  in  the  matter  of  Mi- 
caiah  the  prophet. 

Chapters  18  and  19  of  2  Chronicles  furnish  interesting  accounts 
of  Jehoshaphat's  words  and  work.  His  introduction  of  systems 
of  religious  instruction  and  judicial  administration  was  most  com- 
mendable. 

2.  Read  2  Chron.,  Chap.  20,  which  is  one  of  the  most  instructive 
in  the  entire  book.  Give  the  bulk  of  the  time  to  the  prayer  of 
Jehoshaphat  and  the  instruction  of  Jahaziel  the  Levite.  Note  that 
the  victory  was  accepted  and  acted  upon  in  faith  before  it  was,  in  a 
material   sense,  achieved.     Re-read  vv.   19-22. 

"Jehoshaphat  was  certainly  the  ablest  and  most  energetic  king 
that  had  reigned  over  Judah  since  the  time  of  Solomon.  While  it 
cannot  be  denied  that  the  one  fatal  mistake  which  he  made  in 
joining  affinity  with  Ahab,  had,  in  course  of  time,  the  most  disas- 
trous consequences,  leading  as  it  did  to  the  desecration  of  the 
Temple,  the  complete  apostasy  of  the  state  during  the  space  of  six 
years,  and  the  almost  entire  destruction  of  the  seed  of  David ; 
yet  the  immediate  results  were,  in  a  worldly  point  of  view,  ad- 
vantageous."— Deane.  We  shall  learn  very  soon  how  fatal  Jehosh- 
aphat's mistake  was. 

Personal  Thought:  "Neither  know  we  what  to  do:  but  our 
eyes  are  upon  thee."  What  do  these  last  words  mean?  How  con- 
stant is  the  maintenance  of  this  attitude  in  my  life?  What  are 
helps  toward  such  constancy? 


120       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     17:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


5th  Day:     §  00.    The  Last  Days  and  the  Translation  of  Eli- 
jah  (1  Kings  22:51 — 2  Kings  2:18) 

"Persist,  persevere,  and  you  will  find  most  things  attainable  that 
are  possible." — Selected. 

1.  Have  Diagram  XXIV  before  you  as  you  read  1  Kings  22  :50— 
2  Kings  1:18.  What  is  the  great  lesson  of  this  portion?  Is  it  not 
the  folly  of  forsaking  God? 

Read  the  remainder  of  the  section   (2  Kings  2:1-18). 

2.  Reflect  on  the  words  of  Elijah,  "The  Lord  the  God  of  Israel 
before  whom  I  stand." 

"The  events  of  Elijah's  life  are  so  full  of  dramatic  interest 
that  we  are  tempted  to  dwell  upon  them,  and  gather  the  lessons  that 
they  teach.  But  the  actor  in  the  scene  of  Carmel  was  far  greater 
than  the  scene  which  he  enacted ;  and  the  true  lesson  of  his  life — the 
revelation  which  is  sent  to  the  race  through  him — is  only  learned 
as  we  realize  his  marked  individuality,  and  understand  the  message 
which  is  carried  by  his  solitary,  unsupported,  but  overwhelming 
testimony  for  Jehovah,  the  one  living,  spiritual,  holy  God.  Because 
he  stood  for  God,  he  could  dare — under  the  most  extraordinary  cir- 
cumstances of  strain  and  peril — to  stand  alone." — Tuck. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  spirit  of  Elijah  doth  rest  on  Elisha." 
What  evidence  had  the  sons  of  the  prophets  that  this  was  so? 
"The  works  that  I  do  shall  ye  do  also."  Who  said  this?  To 
whom?  How  were  the  works  to  be  performed?  What  evidence 
have  I  that  the  Spirit  of  Christ  rests  on  me? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       121 

STUDY     17:     KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


6th  Day:     §  91.    Elisha  the  Prophet  (2  Kings  2:19 — 8:15) 

1.  "This  one  thing  I  have  found,  that  it  is  not  in  man  to  think 
out  a  gospel,  or  to  make  a  state  of  light  by  phosphorescence  at  his 
own  center.  He  can  have  the  great  mystery  of  godliness  only  as 
it  is  mirrored  in  his  heart  by  an  inward  revelation  of  Christ.  Do 
the  will  and  you  shall  know  the  doctrine — this  is  the  truth  I  have 
proved  by  my  twenty  years  of  experience." — Bushncll. 

2.  In  2  Kings,  Chaps.  2:19 — 5:27  are  accounts  of:  (1)  The 
healing  of  the  spring  at  Jericho ;  (2)  The  denouncing  of  the  youths ; 
(3)  The  victory  of  the  three  kings  over  Moab ;  (4)  The  widow's 
oil;  (s)  The  birth,  death  and  restoration  of  the  Shunammite's  child ; 
(6)  The  poisoned  pottage;  (7)  The  multiplication  of  the  loaves; 
(8)    The  healing  of   Naaman. 

3.  Read  today  the  story  of  the  healing  of  Naaman  the  leper, 
found  in  2  Kings  5th  chapter.  The  little  maid's  remark  is  a  fine 
illustration  of  a  word  fitly  spoken  which  is  like  apples  of  gold  in 
baskets  of  silver. 

Dwell  upon  the  secret  of  the  change  in  Naaman  which  enabled 
him  to  say,  "Now  I  know."    Notice  that  before  he  said,  "I  thought." 

Read  again  the  words  of  Bushnell  at  the  top  of  the  page. 

Personal  Thought:  The  prophet  Elisha  was  frequently  sought 
after.  Under  what  circumstance  was  this,  and  why?  How  help- 
ful am  I  to  others?    How  may  I  become  more  so? 


122       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 


STUDY     17:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF    EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES. 


7th  Day:     §  91.    Elisha  the  Prophet   (2  Kings  2:19 — 8:15) 

"You  need  not  tell  all  the  truth,  unless  to  those  who  have  a  right 
to  know  it  all.     But  let  all  you  tell  be  truth." — Horace  Mann. 

1.  Today's  section,  2  Kings  6:1 — 8:15,  contains  accounts  of: 
(1)  The  swimming  of  the  axe-head;  (2)  The  horses  and  chariots 
of  fire  in  the  mountain;  (3)  The  siege  of  Samaria,  and  the  four 
lepers ;  (4)  The  return  of  the  Shunammite  after  the  seven-year  fam- 
ine; (5)  The  visit  of  Elisha  to  Damascus.  Read  without  interrup- 
tion 2  Kings  6:8 — 7:15  and  note  the  most  striking  result. 

2.  One  cannot  help  being  impressed  by  the  diversity  in  character 
and  work  between  Elijah  and  Elisha.  The  one  was  the  prophet  of 
solitude;  the  other  was  the  prophet  of  society.  The  one  was  the 
prophet  of  judgment,  the  other  of  mercy.  In  a  sense  these  two 
men  foreshadow  John  the  Baptist  and  Jesus  of  Nazareth.  Spend 
a  little  time  on  the  parallel.  "It  is  not  possible  to  mistake  the  char- 
acter of  the  series  of  miracles  which  Elisha  wrought.  From  first  to 
last  they  bear  upon  them  all  the  attributes  of  visitations  of  mercy. 
They  are  the  very  opposite  of  the  judicial  inflictions  with  which, 
through  Elijah,  the  power  of  God  broke  forth  to  punish  evil  and  to 
overawe  the   guilty." — Wilberforce. 

"The  more  strong  one's  apprehension  is  of  the  degradation  of  the 
Israelitish  people  at  that  time,  of  their  low,  sensual  idolatry,  of 
their  reverence  for  evil  powers, — the  more  one  feels  how  acts  of 
this  kind  must  have  been  needed  to  counteract  their  materialism, 
to  undermine  their  religion  of  fraud  and  hatred,  to  establish,  as  no 
words  or  arguments  could,  the  proof  of  an  actual  and  gracious 
ruler." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought  :  "We  do  not  well :  This  day  is  a  day  of 
good  tidings,  and  we  hold  our  peace."  What  application  of  these 
words  of  the  lepers  may  be  made  to  the  proclamation  of  the  gospel 
today?  Why  do  so  many  hold  their  peace?  How  may  they  be 
made  to  do  as  the  lepers  did?  What  part  have  I  in  making  known 
the  good  tidings? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       123 

STUDY     18:     KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


1st  Day:  §  92.  The  Sons  of  Ahab  of  Israel,  and  of  Jehosha- 
phat  of  Judah  (2  Kings  8:16-29;  2  Chron. 
21  :i — 22:9) 

"Your  prime,  one  need  is  to  do  right,  under  whatever  compulsion, 
till  you  can  do  it  without  compulsion,  and  then  you  are  a  man." — 
Ruskin. 

1.  Read  the  passage  in  Kings  (2  Kings  8:16-29),  referring,  as 
you  do  so,  to  Diagrams  XXIV  and  XXV.  Try  to  get  the  whole 
situation  clearly  before  you.  Look  a  second  time  at  v.  19.  Re- 
read v.  28.  Who  before  this  had  been  in  a  similar  alliance?  The 
results  of  the  fatal  mistake  of  Jehoshaphat  in  marrying  his  son 
to  the  daughter  of  Jezebel  are  beginning  to  appear.  Be  looking 
for  more  serious  disasters  yet  to  come. 

2.  Read  from  the  parallel  passage  in  Chronicles,  2  Chron. 
21:5-7,  and  2  Chron.  21:11-15,  and  2  Chron.  22:9. 

Personal  Thought:  The  warning  of  this  lesson  is  against  en- 
tangling alliances.  Am  I  sure  that  I  do  not  need  it?  What  is  the 
only  safe  course  to  pursue  in  the  choosing  of  associates? 


124       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     18:     KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


2d  Day:    §  93.    Elisha  the  Prophet  and  Jehu  King  of  Israel 
(2  Kings  9:1 — 10:36) 

"You  often  understand  the  true  connection  of  important  events 
in  your  life,  not  while  they  are  going  on,  nor  soon  after  they  are 
past,  but  only  a  considerable  time  after." — Selected. 

1.  Read  the  Section  for  today  (2  Kings  9:1 — 10:36)  without 
interruption,  and  allow  the  dramatic  character  of  the  story  duly  to 
affect  you  as  well  as  the  dreadful  lesson  on  sowing  and  reaping. 

2.  "It  causes  great  scandal  to  many  amiable  and  worthy  people 
that  the  Scripture  does  not  stop  to  comment  on  these  atrocities  of 
Jehu,  but  appears  to  commend  his  zeal,  and  to  rejoice  that  what  he 
began  he  accomplished.  I  believe  that  a  true  portrait  can  never  be 
a  mischievous  one,  and  that  this  is  essentially  true.  Nothing  is  said 
to  gloss  over  the  ferocity  of  Jehu;  you  do  not  want  words  to  tell 
you  that  you  must  hate  it ;  your  impulse,  and  it  is  a  right  one,  is  to 
do  so.  But  there  may  be  in  the  most  ruffianly  and  brutal  characters, 
not  merely  strength,  but  an  intense  hatred  of  hypocrisy,  a  determina- 
tion to  put  it  down,  not  for  selfish  ends,  but  because  it  is  hateful : 
which  determination  is  good  and  inspired  of  God.  The  Scripture 
teaches  us  to  confess  this,  and,  by  so  doing,  clears,  not  confuses, 
all  our  earlier  conceptions  and  judgments.  We  do  meet  with  these 
characters  in  the  world, — characters  with  something  devilish  lying 

close  beside  something  which  is  really  divine It  is  in  the  quiet 

time  that  a  man  is  tested.    Then  we  find  out  not  only  what  he  can 
do,  but  what  he  is.    The  test  in  this  case  failed." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  "Afterward  it  yieldeth."  (Heb.  12:11.) 
Read  Gal.  6:7.  Read  again  the  quotation  at  the  top  of  the  page. 
Reflect  on  the  harvest  of  Ahab's  and  Jezebel's  sins  which  the  king- 
doms of  Israel  and  Judah  garnered.    What  am  I  sowing? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT^  'CHARACTERS      125 

STUDY     18:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


3d  Day:    §  94.    Athaliah,  Queen  of  Judah,  and  Jehoiada  the 
Priest  (2  Kings  11:1-20;  2  Chron.  22:10 — 23:21) 

"Woman  is  at  once  the  delight  and  the  terror  of  man."— Selected. 

"Women  are  ever  in  extremes ;  they  are  either  better  or  worse  than 
men." — Selected. 

1.     Read  2  Kings  11:1-20. 

The  following,  while  referring  more  directly  to  the  characters 
studied  yesterday,  is  not  without  its  application  to  the  story  of  today: 
"Elisha  the  son  of  Shaphat  and  Jehu  the  son  of  Nimshi  did  then 
together  carry  out  the  words  of  the  prophet.  For  those  words 
depended  upon  no  mortal  agency;  they  were  the  expressions  of  an 
eternal  law  which  in  some  way  or  other  would  fulfil  itself.  This  is 
the  great  lesson  which  the  Bible  teaches  in  every  page.  The  right- 
eous Will  moves  on  steadily  and  irresistibly  toward  its  own  end; 
the  unrighteous  will  struggles  with  it;  seems  to  prevail;  is  broken 
in  pieces.  But  seeing  it  is  Will  and  not  a  blind  necessity  which 
rules  in  the  armies  of  heaven  and  among  the  inhabitants  of  earth, 
it  is  all-important  whether  those  who  execute  its  decrees  work  in 
cheerful  submission  to  it,  or  in  blindness,  with  base  and  private 
designs.  This  was  the  great  question  for  the  ministers  of  God's 
purpose,  whether  they  were  prophets  or  soldiers,  to  consider  then; 
it  is  the  great  question  for  us  now.  We  may  be  sure  that  at 
the  last,  by  our  evil  doings  and  the  fruits  of  them,  if  not  by  our 
zeal  for  that  which  is  sincerely  good,  we  shall  help  to  demonstrate 
the  existence  of  a  divine  order  in  the  world,  and  shall  foretell  its 
victory.  It  is  for  us  to  say  in  which  way  we  shall  perform  the 
divine  commission." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  To  what  a  pass  has  Judah  come!  A 
daughter  of  the  idolatrous  Jezebel  is  on  the  throne  of  David !  Did 
Jehoshaphat  dream  of  this  when  he  began  to  be  friendly  with  Ahab  ? 
Reflect  on  the  Personal  Thoughts  of  the  last  two  days. 


126       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     18:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 

4th  Day:    §  95.    Jehoiada  the  Priest  and  Joash  King  of  Judah 
(2  Kings  11:21 — 12:21;  2  Chron.  24:1-27) 

"Never  be  afraid  to  doubt.  Never  try  to  conquer  doubts  against 
time.  Never  force  yourself  to  believe.  If  you  try  this  way  (that 
is,  living  up  to  the  light  which  you  have,  whatever  happens),  you 
must  be  anything  that  it  requires,  a  Jew,  a  Mohammedan,  ready  to 
go  to  the  world's  end,  anything;  most  probably  you  must  be  a 
Christian." — Bushnell. 

1.  Read  2  Kings  11 :2i — 12:21.  What  about  the  character  of  the 
two  men,  Jehoiada  and  Joash,  does  12:2  disclose? 

2.  Look  for  answers  to  the  foilowing  questions  in  2  Chron. 
24:1-27.  Why  did  the  house  of  the  Lord  need  repairing?  Had  the 
influence  of  the  idolatrous  worship  introduced  into  Judah  as  the 
result  of  the  alliance  in  Jehoshapbat's  time,  been  destroyed  with 
Athaliah  the  queen?  Was  Judah  left  in  her  evil  course  without 
warning?  What  most  wicked  deed  did  Joash  the  king  sanction? 
What  other  generation  was  like  this  one?  For  answer  to  this  last 
question,  read  Matthew  23  ^9-39. 

Personal  Thought:  Which  am  I  most  like,  Jehoiada  or  Joash, 
as  seen  in  2  Kings  12:2?  What  is  essential  in  the  character  of  one 
who  is  able  not  only  to  stand,  but  to  help  others  to  stand? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      127 

STUDY     18:     KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


5th  Day:     §  96.    Elisha  the  Prophet  and  Jehoash  King  of  Is- 
rael (2  Kings  13:1-25) 

§  97.    Amaziah  of  Judah  and  Jehoash  of  Israel   (2 
Kings  14:1-22;   2  Chron.   25:1-28) 

"Sorrow  tracketh  wrong 
As  echo  follows  song. 
On!   On!  On!  On!" 

1.  Read  2  Kings  13:1-25,  noting  what  is  said  about  the  sins  of 
Jeroboam.  In  connection  with  this  account  of  the  sickness  and 
death  of  Elisha,  think  for  a  little  of  his  character  and  work.  What 
estimate  of  these  would  you  infer  from  the  record,  was  held  in 
his  own  day?  "  'O  my  father,  the  chariots  of  Israel  and  the  horse- 
men thereof!'  These  were  the  words  which  a  king  of  Israel  of 
Jehu's  house  spoke  to  Elisha  as  he  lay  sick  and  dying.  He  felt 
that  a  power  was  passing  out  of  the  world  which  was  greater 
than  his,  and  than  that  of  all  the  kings  who  had  been  before  him, 
because  it  was  a  power  which  had  spread  health  and  peace  around 
it." 

2.  What  is  the  reason  assigned  in  2  Chron.  25:14-16  for  the 
sorry  plight  into  which  Judah  had  come?  Have  you  noticed  the 
frequency  of  the  mention  of  prophets  since  the  time  of  the  disrup- 
tion of  the  nation? 

Personal  Thought  :  Reflect  on  2  Chron.  25  :8,  9.  When  had 
the  mistake  been  made  about  the  one  hundred  talents?  Why 
had  it  been  made?     What  lesson  is  here  for  me? 


128      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     18:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


6th  Day:    §  98.    The  Kingdom  of  Judah  and  Joel  the  Prophet 
(Joel  i  :i — 3:21) 

"God  is  not  a  crutch  coming  in  to  help  your  lameness,  unnecessary 
to  you  if  you  had  all  your  strength.  He  is  the  breath  in  your  lungs. 
The  stronger  you  are,  the  more  thoroughly  you  are  yourself,  the 
more  your  need  of  it,  the  more  your  need  of  Him." — Phillips  Brooks. 

1.  The  arguments  (wholly  internal)  for  and  against  the  early 
authorship  of  Joel  are  about  of  equal  weight.  We  give  the  prefer- 
ence to  the  early  date.  As  intimated  in  1st  Day  of  this  Study,  there 
is  good  reason  for  assigning  the  prophecy  to  the  reign  of  Jehoram 
of  Judah.  Some  maintain  that  he  prophesied  in  the  reign  of  Joash 
of  Judah.  There  is  much  in  the  message  suited  to  more  times  than 
these  two  between  the  reigns  of  Jehoshaphat  and  Uzziah  of  Judah. 
After  all,  the  determination  of  the  date  of  this  book  is  not  essen- 
tial to  our  present  purpose.  The  thought  of  the  book  may  be  ex- 
pressed in  ten  words,  thus:  Locusts — Drought — Locusts  destroyed 
— Drought  removed — Spirit  given — Enemies  destroyed.  Note  the 
progress  of  thought  as  more  clearly  suggested  by  the  following: 


Locusts  and  Drought  (Chap.  1). 

Repentance  and  Prayer   (Chap.  2:1-17). 

Removal   of  Locusts   and  Drought    (Chap.  2:18-25). 

Removal  of  Spiritual  Drought  (Chap.  2:26-32) 

Enemies  vanquished  and  blessings  bestowed  (Chap.  3). 


2.  Read  Chap.  2:12-32;  Acts  2:16-21.  Was  that  an  exhaustive 
fulfillment  of  Joel's  words?  Was  it  the  first  fulfillment?  Is  it  not 
probable  that  there  was  in  his  own  time  a  response  to  the  prophet's 
plea,  and  consequent  blessing?  What  estimate  of  Joel  as  a  man  do 
you  form  from  this  glimpse  into  his  book? 

Personal  Thought:  "The  dreams  which  Joel  and  Peter  speak 
of,  indicate  a  closer  contact  with  realities,  a  more  inward  commu- 
nion with  Him  who  is  true,  an  intolerance  of  shadows,  a  longing  for 
substance."  What  is  the  judgment  which  the  above  sentence  ren- 
ders  upon   my   dreams? 


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ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


7th  Day:     §  99.    Jeroboam    II    King    of    Israel   and   Jonah    the 
Prophet   (2  Kings  14:23-29;  Book  of  Jonah) 

"What  has  not  been  universally  observed  is  that  the  reality  of  the 
characters  is  inseparable  from  the  truth  of  the  narrative,  and  stands 
or  falls  with  it." 

"Read  this  dialogue  between  God  and  man;  and  the  writer  is  a 
man.    A  man  yourself,  you  are  shocked  at  the  man  and  you  bless 

God.     The  writer  has  given  God  the  last  word  and  the  best 

The  book  of  Jonah  is  generally  underrated ;  one  reason  is,  it  is 
judged  by  commentators  who  have  never  tried  to  tell  an  immortal 

story The   truth   is   that   'Jonah'    is   the    most    beautiful   story 

ever   told    in    so    small   a   compass In    1328   words   you   have 

a  wealth  of  incident  and  all  the  dialogue  needed  to  carry  on  the 
grand  and  varied  action.  You  have  also  character,  not  stationary, 
but  growing  just  as  Jonah  grew,  and  a  plot  that  would  bear  vol- 
umes, yet  worked  out  without  haste  or  crudity Only  the  great 

artists  of  the  pen  hit  upon  the  perfect  proportions  of  dialogue  and 

narrative To    my    mind,    speaking    merely    as    an    artist,    the 

Acts  of  the  Apostles  eclipses  all  human  narratives,  and  in  the  Old 
Testament,  Genesis,  Samuel,  Jonah  and  Ruth  stand  pre-eminent, 
and  Jonah  above   sweet  Ruth  by  the  greater  weight  of  the   facts 

and  the  introduction  of  the  Deity The  God  of  Jonah  is  the 

God   of  the   New   Testament Skimmers   have   discredited   and 

sneered  at  a  record  they  have  never  tried  hard  to  comprehend: 
'Facile  judicat  qui  pauca  considerat.'" — Charles  Reade. 

The  Thought  of  Jonah  may  be  summarized  thus : 

1.  Chap.   1. — The   Commission   and  the   Flight. 

2.  Chap.   2. — The   Punishment  and  the   Deliverance. 

3.  Chap.  3. — The  Preaching  and  the  Result. 

4.  Chap.  4. — The  Anger  and  its  Rebuke. 

The  key  passage  in  Jonah  is  4:1-2,  which  reveals  God  as  kind 
in  contrast  with  man  who  wished  sudden  destruction.  Read  and 
reflect  about  the  God  of  Jonah. 

Personal  Thought:  "It  is  not  enough  to  fast  for  sin;  we  must 
fast  from  sin."  What  is  the  nature  of  my  repentance?  What  must 
be  the  result  if  it  is  not  real? 


i3o      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     19:    KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


1st  Day:    §  100.    Jeroboam    II    King   of    Israel   and   Amos   the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  14:23-29;  Book  of  Amos) 

"If  the  characters  of  the  Scripture  are  both  a  marvel  of  the  mind, 
and  also  aids  to  faith,  surely  we  ought  to  give  up  skimming  them, 
and  study  them.  Put  them  at  their  lowest,  and  they  are  a  gold-mine ; 
and  in  that  mine  surface  washing  has  been  productive ;  but  to  dig  is 
better."— Reade. 

1.  Read  Amos  1  :i.  Consult  Diagrams  XXVI  and  XXIX.  Amos 
must  have  prophesied  late  in  the  reign  of  Jeroboam.  What  were  the 
material  and  political  conditions  of  the  Northern  Kingdom  at  that 
time?     For  answer,  read  2  Kings  14:23-29. 

Read  Amos  1 .2.  This  is  the  text.  It  summarizes  the  entire 
prophecy.  Compare  Joel  3:16.  Did  Amos  take  his  text  from  Joel? 
What  is  the  general  import  of  this  text  of  Amos? 

2.  In  chapters,  1,  2,  we  have  a  series  of  foreign  prophecies.  Read 
in  order  Chap.  1:3,  6,  9,  11,  13;  also  Chap.  2:1,  4,  6.  Consult  Dia- 
gram XXVIII.  The  expression,  "For  three,  yea,  for  four,"  is  prob- 
ably rhetorical,  and  means,  for  abundant,  yea,  for  superabundant. 
Go  over  the  series,  noting:  (1)  What  is  to  occur;  (2)  Why  this 
is  to  occur.  Is  there  anything  significant  in  the  use  of  the  word  pal- 
aces by  Amos?  Is  fire  to  be  understood  literally?  What  striking 
difference  in  the  cause  assigned  appears  when  the  speaker  reaches 
Judaii?  Is  anything  said  about  wrong  having  been  done  God  in  the 
case  of  the  other  nations?  Why  this  distinction?  Again  consult 
Diagram  XXVIII,  and  think  of  the  relationship  of  these  nations  to 
the  children  of  Israel.  What  aggravation  in  the  case  of  Israel  is 
mentioned  in  Chap.  2:9-11?  Would  not  the  Israelites  approve 
Amos'  utterances  about  the  other  nations?  In  doing  so,  were  they 
not  unconsciously  condemning  themselves? 

Personal  Thought:  One  of  the  great  revelations  of  Amos 
2:9-11,  is  that  judgment  is  according  to  knowledge  and  opportunity. 
What  special  privileges  have  I?  How  faithful  am  I  in  the  im- 
provement of  these?  Would  Amos  2:9-12  condemn  me?  To  what 
will  abuse  of  the  mercy  of  God  certainly  lead? 


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ASSYRIAN  TIMES 


2d  Day:    §  100.    Jeroboam    II    King    of    Israel   and   Amos    the 
Prophet   (2  Kings  14:23-29;  Book  of  Amos) 

"I  cannot  forgive  God  for  the  suffering  of  others;  when  I  look 
abroad  upon  this  world  and  behold  its  cruel  destinies,  I  turn  from 
Him  with  disaffection ;  nor  do  I  conceive  that  He  will  blame  me  for 
the  impulse.  But  when  I  consider  my  own  fates,  I  grow  conscious 
of  His  gentle  dealing;  I  see  Him  chastise  with  helpful  blows,  I  feel 
His  stripes  to  be  caresses ;  and  this  knowledge  is  my  comfort  which 
reconciles  me  to  the  world.  All  those  whom  I  now  pity  with  indig- 
nation, are,  perhaps,  not  less  fatherly  dealt  with  than  myself 

If  I  from  my  spy-hole,  looking  with  purblind  eyes  upon  the  least 
part  of  a  fraction  of  the  universe,  yet  perceive  in  my  own  destiny 
some  broken  evidences  of  a  plan  and  some  signals  of  an  over-ruling 
goodness;  shall  I,  then,  be  so  mad  as  to  complain  that  all  cannot 
be  deciphered?  Shall  I  not  rather  wonder,  with  infinite  and  grate- 
ful surprise,  that  in  so  vast  a  scheme,  I  seem  to  have  been  able  to 
read,  however  little,  and  that  little  was  encouraging  to  faith." — 
Robert  Louis  Stevenson. 

1.  We  studied  yesterday  the  series  of  foreign  prophecies  found  in 
Amos,  Chaps.  1,  2.  In  Chap.  3  is  a  series  of  questions.  Read  the 
series  (noting  marginal  rendering  in  v.  3,  a  verse  usually  misin- 
terpreted because  torn  from  its  connection),  and  answer  each  by, 
No.  They  prepare  for  the  thundering  application  in  vv.  7,  8,  which 
is:  "My  presence  here  announcing  such  a  message  ought  to  be 
evidence  to  you  that  what  I  have  declared  will  surely  come  to  pass." 
Think  down  into  this  paragraph.     It  is  most  graphic  and  most  true. 

2.  Read  the  remainder  of  the  chapter,  not  omitting  to  observe  the 
striking  force  of  calling  the  heathen  to  witness  and  to  be  surprised 
at  the  evil  in  Samaria  (vv.  9,  10).  Chaps.  I,  2  ended  with  judg- 
ment.   How  does  Chap.  3  end?    What  is  the  text  of  Amos? 

Personal   Thought:    "You   only   have    I   known therefore 

I  will  visit."  The  very  reason  given  by  the  people  why  they  doubt- 
ed the  word  of  Amos  that  judgment  was  coming,  is  declared  by  him 
to  be  the  reason  why  the  judgment  would  come.  To  what  extent 
has  the  awful  delusion  ensnared  me,  that  because  I  am  a  child 
of  God  I  may  therefore  do  wrong  with  immunity?  How  may  I 
meet  this  in  myself  and  others? 


i32       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY      19:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


3d  Day:     §  100.    Jeroboam    II    King    of    Israel   and    Amos    the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  14:23-29;  Book  of  Amos) 

"The  slightest  sorrow  for  sin  is  sufficient  if  it  produces  amend- 
ment, and  the  greatest  is  insufficient  if  it  does  not." — Colton. 

1.  What  was  the  series  for  1st  Day?  What  for  2d  Day?  Today 
in  the  fourth  chapter  of  Amos  we  find  a  series  of  past  warnings. 
After  reading  the  chapter  note:  (1)  The  chapter  opens  with  a  spe- 
cific anouncement  of  captivity  (vv.  1-3).  Cf.  "Thus  will  I  do  unto 
thee"  (v.  12)  ;  (2)  Vv.  4,  5  are  ironical,  referring  to  the  multiplicity 
of  the  formal  ceremonies;  (3)  Beginning  with  v.  6  is  mentioned  a 
series  of  five  past  calamities,  viz.:  famine  (v.  6),  drouth  (vv.  7,  8), 
locusts,  etc.  (v.  9),  pestilence  (v.  10),  Sodomlike  visitation  (v.  11)  ; 
(4)  The  refrain,  "Yet  have  ye  not  returned  unto  me,"  indicates  the 
object  of  these  visitations  and  the  result. 

2.  Pause  here  to  think  back  (aided  by  Diagrams)  over  the  his- 
tory of  the  Kingdom  of  Israel  for  visitations  of  war,  famine,  etc. 
Continue  to  note:  (5)  because  of  the  refusal  of  His  people  to  heed 
His  warning,  God  announces  (v.  12)  that  He  is  about  to  come  in 
judgment,  and  calls  upon  His  people  to  meet  Him  as  their  enemy; 
(6)  v.  13  describes  the  kind  of  God  who  must  now  be  met  by  His 
rejecters.     Pause  here  for  reflection. 

While  judgment  is  so  prominent  in  this  chapter,  and  in  the  book 
as  a  whole,  have  you  not  already  discovered  that  it  is  reluctantly 
resorted  to,  and  only  after  every  effort  of  love  to  reclaim  has  failed? 

Personal  Thought:  "Thy  God,  O  Israel."  Reflect  on  the  God 
who  was  in  the  conception  of  the  writer  of  Amos,  chapter  4. 


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4th  Day:    §  100.    Jeroboam    II    King   of   Israel,   and   Amos   the 
Prophet 

1.  'The  exercise  of  prophetic  ministry  in  Israel  of  old,  was  always 

a  proof  of  the  nation's  decline We  shall  find,  in  considering  the 

ministry  of  the  prophets,  that,  not  only  had  each  prophet  a  distinct 
ministry  committed  to  him,  but  that,  also,  in  one  and  the  same 
prophet,  there  was  a  double  mission ;  the  Lord  dealt  with  the  con- 
science about  present  evil,  while  He  pointed  the  eye  of  the  faithful 
to  the  future  glory.  His  cry  was :  'O  Israel,  thou  hast  destroyed 
thyself;  but  in  me  is  thine  help.'" — Selected. 

2.  The  two  chapters  of  Amos  (5th  and  6th)  for  study  today, 
reveal  only  judgment,  although  there  is  in  chap.  5  a  series  of  invita- 
tions. Recall  the  series  of  the  past  three  days.  Look  in  chap.  5 
for  invitations  introduced  by  the  word  "Seek."  Chapter  5  begins 
with  a  lament,  and  the  case  is  represented  as  hopeless ;  it  ends  also 
in  the  same  strain  (v.  16,  ff),  and  after  another  ironical  outburst  at 
formal  worshipers,  who,  because  of  their  observances,  thought  them- 
selves to  be  immune  from  the  day  of  the  Lord,  the  prophet  an- 
nounces captivity  beyond  Damascus.  Consult  here  Diagram 
XXVIII.  If  all  the  nations  mentioned  in  chapters  1,  2  are  to  fall, 
whence  must  the  destroyer  come? 

As  you  read  chap.  5  now,  ask  yourself  why  the  invitations  are 
introduced  if  the  case  is  hopeless.  Possibly  they  refer  to  past  invita- 
tions which  had  been  unheeded.  Probably  they  refer  to  the  time  of 
speaking,  when,  in  the  mercy  of  God,  if  Israel  will,  she  may  yet  be 
saved.  Apparently  there  is  no  response.  It  seems  to  be  necessary 
to  supply  some  such  idea  between  vv.  15  and  16  to  furnish  a  reason 
for  the  sentiment  of  v.  16  ff. 

Note  how  each  chapter  thus  far  ends  with  a  sledge-hammer  blow 
of  judgment.  So  every  chapter  except  the  last  (ninth),  which  ends 
with  blessing. 

Personal  Thought:  Reflect  upon  the  God  of  Amos  (see  4:13; 
5:8).  Where  did  Amos  thus  learn  God?  What  is  my  conception 
of  God  as  compared  with  that  of  Amos?  What  relation  has  one's 
conception  of  God  to  one's  character?  How  may  I  cultivate  a  sense 
of  the  greatness  and  of  the  majesty  of  God? 


134       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY      19:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


5th  Day:    §  100.    Jeroboam    II    King   of   Israel    and   Amos   the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  14:23-29;  Book  of  Amos) 

"There  is  an  energy  of  moral  suasion  in  a  good  man's  life,  passing 
the  highest  efforts  of  the  orator's  genius."  — Chalmers. 

1.  Examine  chapters  7,  8,  9  of  Amos  (omitting  7:10-17  and  9:11- 
15)  in  verification  of  the  following: 

I.  A  series  of  visions  is:  (1)  Locusts  (7:1);  (2)  Fire 
(7:4);  (3)  The  Lord  with  a  plumb-line  (77);  (4)  A  basket  of 
ripe  fruit  (8:1);  (5)  The  Lord    standing  by  the  altar  (9:1). 

2.  II.     Indications   of  a  climacteric   order  in  these  visions   may 
be  noticed  as  follows  : 

1.  Prayer  is  made  and  answered  in  the  first  two;  it  is  not  found 
in  the  last  three. 

2.  The  fire  is  more  severe  than  locusts. 

3.  The  prayer  in  the  second  is  more  intense  than  in  the  first. 
Destruction  is  threatened  in  both  the  first  and  second. 

4.  "I  will  not  again  pass  by  them  any  more,"  in  the  third,  is 
indicative  to  Amos  that  it  is  needless  to  pray.  By  the  plumb- 
line,  decision  has  been  rendered.  Destruction  is  assured  in 
the  third. 

5.  "I  will  not  again  pass  by  them  any  more,"  is  preceded  in  the 
fourth  vision  by  the  words,  "The  end  is  come  upon  my 
people  Israel."  This  is  a  decided  advance  upon  the  plumb- 
line  vision.     Destruction  is  imminent  in  the  fourth. 

6.  The  Lord  is  represented  as  Himself  giving  orders,  and 
superintending  the  demolition  of  the  structure  and  the  slaying 
of  the  people  in  the  last  vision.  Destruction  is  represented 
as  in  progress  in  the  fifth. 

3.  III.     Observe  the  completeness  and  the  severity  of  the  destruc- 
tion as  depicted  in  vv.  2-4  of  chapter  9. 

IV.     Note  the  discrimination  used  even  in  punishment  as 
indicated  in  verses  8-10  of  chapter  9. 

Personal  Thought  :    Reflect  further  on  the  God  of  Amos  as  pre- 
sented in  4  :  13 ;  5  :8,  and  9  :5,  6.    Read  yesterday's  Personal  Thought. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       135 

STUDY      19:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      EARLY 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


6th  Day:    §  100.    Jeroboam    II    King   of    Israel   and    Amos   the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  14:23-29;  Book  of  Amos) 

"We  speak  of  omens  and  signs  and  premonitions ;  perhaps  we  know 
not  what  we  mean.  Even  in  Genesis  the  leaves  are  stirring ;  the  air 
blows  upon  us  as  from  another  world.  You  feel  that  some  one  is 
coming,  and  so  all  through  the  Old  Testament.  Now  it  is  a  sudden 
flash  of  light,  now  a  transparent  darkness.  We  feel  it  in  history,  in 
psalms,  in  prophecy.  Sometimes  a  great  voice  of  thunder,  some- 
times a  still,  small  voice  of  comfort.  Did  I  hear  the  blast  of  a  trum- 
pet miles  and  miles  away,  rising  and  falling  in  a  cadence?  It  is  the 
sign  of  the  King's  approach.  There  will  be  a  new  personality 
amongst  us."— Joseph  Parker. 

1.  Read  Amos  7:10-17.  In  the  intimation  by  Amaziah  that  Amos 
was  prophesying  for  a  living,  what  does  the  priest  of  Bethel  disclose 
as  to  his  own  character?  Do  not  miss  the  strong  contrast  in  the 
words,  "Thou  sayest,"  "Thus  saith  the  Lord."  What  is  the  real  force 
of  v.  14? 

2.  Read  Amos  9:11-15,  and  consult  Diagram  XXXI. 

"Does  it  seem  to  you  that  a  hope  so  confident  as  this, — a  hope  of 
life  arising  out  of  death,  light  out  of  darkness,  is  inconsistent  with 
that  vision  of  utter  ruin  which  rose  up  a  moment  ago  before  us  ?  We 
shall  not  know  the  heart  of  the  Jewish  prophet  till  we  learn  to  see 
not  only  how  these  things  are  compatible,  but  why  they  are  insepar- 
able."— Maurice. 

What  three  traits  of  character  in  Amos  are  worthy  of  imitation 
by  preachers  and  teachers  of  to-day? 

Personal  Thought  :     "He  revealeth  His  secrets  unto  His  servants 

the  prophets,"  "I  have  told  you  before  it  come  to  pass Ye  are  my 

friends."  What  place  has  sympathy,  fellowship  with  God  in  His 
work,  in  bringing  one  into  appreciation  of  God's  message?  How 
much  has  the  lack  of  this  in  my  life  to  do  with  my  dullness  in  appre- 
hending the  Word  of  God? 


136       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY      19:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF     EARLY 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


7th  Day:    §  101.    Jeroboam    II    King  of   Israel   and   Hosea   the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  14  123-29,  Book  of  Hosea) 

"Love  is  strong  as  death Many  waters  cannot  quench  love, 

neither  can  the  floods  drown  it." — Bible. 

Hosea  is  pre-eminently  the  prophet  of  love.  Between  him  and 
Amos  is  an  instructive  contrast.  "The  two  men  are  types  of  a  con- 
trast which  runs  through  the  whole  history  of  religious  thought  and 
life  down  to  our  own  time.  The  religious  world  has  always  been 
divided  into  men  who  look  at  questions  of  faith  from  the  standpoint 
of  universal  ethics,  and  men  by  whom  moral  truths  are  habitually 
approached  from  a  personal  sense  of  the  grace  of  God." — Robertson 
Smith. 

I.  It  is  difficult  to  outline  the  book  of  Hosea.  The  following  is 
suggested  as  the  most  suitable  for  the  purpose  of  these  Studies : 

1.  Chapters  1-3,  prophecies  concerning  apostate  Israel  under  the 
figure  of  the  marriage  relation. 

II.  Chapters  4-14,  a  series  of  prophecies  relating  chiefly  to 
Israel's  downfall. 

The  best  explanation  of  chapters  1  and  3  is,  that  they  disclose  a 
real  and  bitter  domestic  experience  through  which  the  prophet  was 
brought  into  intelligent  sympathy  with  God  in  the  treatment  which 
his  chosen  people  had  given  him.  A  man,  true  to  an  unfaithful  wife, 
declares  the  message  of  a  true  God  to  an  unfaithful  people. 

Think  of  the  prominence  in  the  Bible  of  marriage  as  illustrative  of 
the  relation  between  God  and  His  people. 

2.  Read  the  2d  Chapter  of  Hosea.  Do  not  miss  the  beauty  and  the 
power  of  this  passage  by  allowing  difficulties  of  interpretation  of 
details  to  absorb  attention. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  Hosea  2:16.  Compare  our  Lord's 
words,  "No  longer  do  I  call  you  servants. ..  .but  I  have  called  you 
friends."    Think  on  these  things. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       137 

STUDY     20:       KINGS     AND      PROPHETS      OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


1st  Day:  §  102.  The  Last  Six  Kings  of  Israel  and  Hosea  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  15:8-31;  17:1-41;  Book  of 
Hosea) 

"The  very  curse  of  an  evil  deed  is  that  it  must  always  continue  to 
engender  evil." — Schiller. 

1.  Read  2  Kings  17:1-41,  referring  to  Diagrams  XXVII  and 
XXXII.  This  entire  chapter  is  very  instructive.  Look  again  at 
v.  13  ff.     Vv.  24-41  are  interesting  as  relating  to  the  Samaritans. 

2.  The  following  striking  features  of  the  book  of  Hosea  may  be 
simply  read  over  today:  (1)  The  connection  between  the  message 
of  the  prophet  and  his  own  personal  experiences ;  (2)  The  figurative 
character  of  the  language  (especially  notice  the  different  figures  by 
which  Israel  is  characterized  :  as,  Harlot,  Stubborn  Heifer,  Silly  Dove, 
Unturned  Cake)  ;  (3)  The  condensed,  broken  character  of  the  com- 
position ;  (4)  The  prominence  given  to  Ephraim  in  the  book.  Hosea 
was  evidently  primarily  a  prophet  of  the  North  country;  (5)  The 
proportion  of  the  book  given  to  describing  the  moral  condition  of 
Israel.  One-half  of  the  verses  refer  to  this;  (6)  The  emphasis  of 
the  love  of  God. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  sins  of  Jeroboam  the  son  of  Nebat 
which  made  Israel  to  sin."  Down  through  the  entire  history  of  the 
Northern  Kingdom,  covering  nearly  250  years,  this  sentence  has  been 
ringing  in  our  ears.  What  is  the  great  lesson  of  the  story  of  the 
kingdom  of  Israel,  the  end  of  which  we  have  now  seen?  How  fully 
does  my  life  today  show  that  this  lesson  has  been  learned  by  me? 


138       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     20:       KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


2d  Day:  §  102.  The  Last  Six  Kings  of  Israel  and  Hosea  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  15  :8-3i ;  17  :i-4i ;  Book  of 
Hosea) 

"The  longer  I  live,  the  more  I  wonder  at  the  forbearance  and  com- 
passion of  the  Divine  Mind." — Rev.  Edward  White. 

1.  Read  over  the  striking  features  of  the  book  of  Hosea,  given 
in  yesterday's  lesson.  Concentrate  attention  today  upon  the  last  two 
of  these,  viz:  (5)  The  moral  condition  of  Israel  at  the  time,  and  (6) 
The  emphasis  of  the  love  of  God  in  the  book.  Read  a  key  passage 
on  each  as  follows:  Chaps.  4:1-8;  11:1-9.  As  you  examine  the 
chapters,  do  not  miss  the  force  of  the  words,  "For,"  "Therefore," 
"Because."  Read  a  moment  or  two,  beginning  at  chap.  4:1,  with 
these  words  in  mind. 

2.  There  is  not  a  more  tender  passage  in  the  Old  Testament  than 
Hosea  11  :i-9,  already  examined  to-day.  Read  chap.  14,  which  alone 
of  the  chapters  of  Hosea  is  one  of  almost  unmingled  brightness.  It 
is  with  regret  that  we  pass  on  from  the  study  of  Hosea.  But  the 
limits  of  these  Studies  require  it.  One  says :  "There  is,  I  conceive, 
in  every  prophecy,  and  in  every  book  which  God  has  intended  for  the 
instruction  of  men,  a  leading  thought  which  forces  itself  upon  the 
mind  of  a  serious  reader,  almost  without  knowing  it."  What  is 
the  leading  thought  of  Hosea  for  you? 

Personal  Thought:  Meditate  upon  Hosea  14  :g.  What  i>  meant 
by  "these  things"  ?    What  profit  have  I  received  from  them  ? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       139 

STUDY     20:       KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     MIDDLE 

ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


3d  Day :     §  103.    Uzziah  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the  Prophet 

"In  a  word,  this  was  felt  to  be  the  supreme  need:  'to  get  God's 
man,  in  God's  place,  doing  God's  work,  in  God's  way,  for  God's 
glory.'  'God  alone  is  sufficient  for  God's  own  work.' " — Hudson 
Taylor,  on  the  secret  of  the  success  of  the  China  Inland  Mission. 

1.  Read  the  following  key  verses  about  Uzziah  in  2  Chron.  26th 
chapter:  5,  16-18,  20. 

2.  Preparatory  to  reading  Isaiah,  6th  chapter,  read  Isa.  1:1.  In 
the  reigns  of  what  kings  is  he  there  said  to  have  prophesied?  Read 
6:1  and  7:1.  Observe  that  if  there  is  any  recorded  prophecy  belong- 
ing to  Jotham's  time  it  does  not  come  in  chronological  order,  else  it 
would  appear  after  chap.  6th,  and  before  the  events  recorded  in 
chap  7th.     Isaiah  is  not  arranged  chronologically. 

The  account  of  this  vision  of  Isa.  6  may  have  been  originally  re- 
lated in  Jotham's  time  in  justification  of  utterances  which  the  prophet 
was  making  about  the  sins  of  his  day  and  the  judgments  to  come. 
We  may  easily  understand  the  men  of  his  day  saying  to  Isaiah,  "What 
right  have  you  to  talk  to  us  thus?"  Imagine  the  effect  of  his  reply- 
ing, "In  the  year  that  King  Uzziah  died  I  saw  the  Lord,"  etc. 

Read  now  Isa.  6:1-13.  Note  the  progress  of  the  thought  as  fol- 
lows: (1)  A  vision  of  God;  (2)  A  vision  of  self  and  other  people; 
(3)  A  confession  of  sin;  (4)  A  cleansing  from  sin;  (5)  A  call 
heard;  (6)  A  response  signifying  readiness  to  do  whatever  might 
be  required;   (7)  A  commission  to  perform  a  difficult  work. 

Read  one  of  the  following  three  passages  in  which  Isaiah  6th 
chapter  is  quoted:  Matt  13:14,  15;  John  12:40;  Acts  28:26,  27.  Is 
not  the  freedom  of  the  persons  to  whom  the  message  was  proclaimed 
fully  recognized  in  all  these  passages  as  well  as  in  Isaiah?  What  is 
the  effect  of  wilful  rejection  of  truth? 

Personal  Thought:  "When  he  was  strong,  his  heart  was  lifted 
up,  and  he  trespassed  against  the  Lord."  How  may  I  cultivate 
humility,  and  thus  avoid  the  fate  of  Uzziah  ?  "I  saw  the  Lord." 
When  was  I  most  conscious  of  the  actual  presence  of  God?  How 
may  I  perpetuate  the  conscious  presence  of  God?  Fill  out  the  fol- 
lowing:    "Blessed  are  the ,  for  they  shall  see  God." 


i4o       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 


STUDY     20: 


KINGS     AND      PROPHETS      OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


4th  Day:  §  104.  Jotham  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  15:32-38;  2  Chron.  27:1-9; 
Isaiah  2:1 — 5:30) 

"We  are  not  to  suppose  a  faithful  ministry  is  any  easy  task.  The 
prophets  of  the  Lord  have  always  been  opposed  to  the  age  in  which 
they  lived.  Whenever  the  ministry  has  fallen  into  accord  with  the 
age  it  is  not  the  age  that  has  gone  up,  it  is  the  ministry  that  has 
gone  down." — Selected. 

1.    Read  the  key  verse  about  Jotham — 2  Chron.  27 :6. 

The  question  how  long  Jotham  reigned  after  his  father's  death 
is  difficult  to  settle,  nor  are  we  sure  that  we  have  any  prophecy  in 
Isaiah  which  belongs  to  Jotham's  time.  Chaps.  2-5  are  the  most 
likely.  Yet  these  do  not  strongly  impress  us  as  so  appropiate  to  the 
days  of  Jotham  as  to  those  of  Ahaz,  e.g.,  3:12.  "This,"  says  one, 
"points  to  a  time  when  the  vigorous  administration  of  Uzziah  and 
Jotham  had  been  succeeded  by  the  weak  and  inefficient  government 
of  Ahaz." 


2.  Examine  without  reading  Isa.  chaps.  2:1 — 5:24  in  the  light  of 
the  following,  noting  the  place  of  prediction  of  remote  blessing  in 
preaching,  which  was  meant  to  have  real  influence  in  the  prophet's 
own  time.  Read  Chap.  2  -.2-4  and  4  :2-6,  noting  contrast  with  sur- 
rounding portions. 


2  :2-4 

2:5 4:r 

4  :2-6 

5:i-30 

Remote  future 

Present,  and  im- 

Remote future 

Present,  and  im- 

mediate future 

mediate  future 

Bright 

Dark 

Bright 

Dark 

Promise 

Threatening 

Promise 

Threatening 

External  glory 

War 

Internal  glory 

War 

Do  you  get  the  force  of  Chap.  2:5?  It  is  this:  In  the  future 
all  nations  will  believe  in  God  (2:2-4).  Why  should  you  not  do 
so  now,  O  Israel? 

Personal  Thought:  With  the  song  of  the  vineyard  in  mind  (Isa. 
5  :i-7) — What  has  God  done  for  me  which  would  justify  His  looking 
for  more  fruit  in  my  life  than  is  now  appearing?  Why  should  I  see 
to  it  that  the  fruit  which  is  expected  is  produced? 


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5th  Day:  §  105.  Ahaz  King  of  Judah  and  Isaiah  the  Prophet 
(2  Kings  16:1-20;  2  Chron.  28:1-27;  Isaiah 
7:1—12:6;  14  :28-32) 

"Our  business  in  life  is  not  to  get  ahead  of  other  people,  but  to  get 
ahead  of  ourselves.  To  break  our  own  record,  to  outstrip  our  yester- 
days by  todays,  to  bear  our  trials  more  beautifully  than  we  ever 
dreamed  we  could,  to  whip  the  tempter  inside  and  out  as  we  never 
whipped  him  before,  to  give  as  we  never  have  given,  to  do  our  work 
with  more  force  and  a  finer  finish  than  ever, — this  is  the  true  idea,  to 
get  ahead  of  ourselves.  To  beat  some  one  else  in  a  game  may  mean 
much  or  little.  To  beat  our  own  game  means  a  great  deal." — 
Trumbull. 

1.  For  a  summary  of  the  career  and  character  of  Ahaz  read 
2  Kings  16:1-20.    Consult  Diagram  XXXIV,  and  read  Isaiah  7:1-25. 

2.  "Ahaz  has  left  behind  him  the  reputation  of  being  among  the 
worst,  if  not  actually  the  very  worst,  of  all  the  princes  of  the  house 
of  David.  He  had  neither  courage,  nor  patriotism,  nor  energy,  nor 
prudence,  nor  piety,  nor  even  a  decent  regard  for  the  traditions  of  his 

house  and  nation In  vain  did  Isaiah  warn  him,  rebuke  him, 

offer  him  signs,  threaten  him,  urge  him  to  rely  on  Jehovah ;  he  dog- 
gedly pursued  his  own  course,  sought  help  in  every  quarter  but  the 
right  one,  put  his  trust  in  arms  of  flesh  or  in  the  gods  of  the  nations, 
cared  not  how  he  degraded  his  country  or  disgraced  his  noble  lineage, 
persisted  in  evil,  ever  trespassed  more  and  more  until  God  cut  him 
off  in  the  very  prime  of  life." — Raii'linson. 

Personal  Thought  :  "If  ye  will  not  believe,  surely  ye  shall  not 
be  established."  Is  faith  ever  demanded  without  evidence?  What 
special  incentive  to  believe  was  proposed  to  Ahaz?  What  is  the 
place  of  the  will  in  belief?  Do  I  believe  to  the  extent  to  which  I  am 
authorized  to  believe?  Is  the  object  of  belief  a  proposition  or  a 
person? 


142       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     20:       KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


6th  Day:  §  106.  Jotham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah  Kings  of  Judah 
and  Micah  the  Prophet  (The  Book  of 
Micah) 

"Do  thy  part  with  industry,  and  leave  the  event  with  God.  I  have 
seen  matters  fall  out  so  unexpectedly  that  they  have  taught  me  in  all 
affairs  neither  to  despair  nor  to  presume." — Feltham. 

1.  Note  in  Micah,  first  chapter,  the  following  striking  facts:  (1) 
Micah  was  contemporary  with  Isaiah  and  Hosea.  (Cf.  introductory 
verses  of  the  books.)  Imagine  these  three  men  in  conference;  (2) 
Micah's  vision  concerning  both  Samaria  and  Jerusalem.  It  must 
have  been  then  before  what  date?  (3)  The  graphic  manner  in 
which  the  prophet  describes  his  feeling  when  he  sees  that  suffering 
will  reach  even  to  Jerusalem. 

2.  In  Micah,  second  chapter,  note:  (1)  The  denunciation  in  v. 
1,  of  the  principles  that  might  makes  right;  (2)  The  use  of  the 
word  devise  in  v.  3.  Cf.  v.  1 ;  (3)  The  correspondence  between 
sin  and  the  punishment,  vv.  4,  5;  (4)  The  emphasis  in  vv.  7-10  of 
the  fact  that  evil  is  occasioned  by  wrong  doing.  This  is  an  answer 
to  the  charge  of  the  false  prophets,  v.  6.  Cf.  also  v.  11;  (5)  The 
promise  in  vv.  12,  13,  in  contrast  with  the  preceding  declaration  of 
coming  disaster  which  occasioned  the  charge  against  Micah  by  the 
false  prophets. 

3.  In  Micah,  third  chapter,  note:  (1)  The  prominence  of 
priests,  prophets,  rulers  and  judges  as  leaders  in  evil  doings;  (2) 
The  force  of  the  figure  (cannibalism)  in  oppression  in  vv.  2,  3;  (3) 
The  emphasis  of  the  fact  that  sinners  shall  be  punished  according 
to  their  sins,  v.  4,  and  that  gifts  perverted  shall  be  withdrawn,  vv. 
5-7;  (4)  The  declaration  by  Micah,  v.  8,  of  his  mission  under  God 
to  tell  the  truth  in  opposition  to  the  false  prophets. 

4.  What,  from  today's  study  is  your  estimate  of  Micah  as  a  man? 

Personal  Thought  :  Meditate  on  Micah  3  :8.  Does  the  Micah 
type  of  prophet  prevail  today?  What  reason  have  I  to  believe  that 
I  am  not  of  the  false-prophet  type  here  described? 


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STUDY     20:       KINGS     AND     PROPHETS     OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


7th  Day:  §  106.  Jotham,  Ahaz,  and  Hezekiah  Kings  of  Judah 
and  Micah,  the  Prophet  (The  Book  of 
Micah) 

"One  comfort  is,  that  great  men,  taken  up  in  any  way,  are  profit- 
able company.  We  canot  look,  however  imperfectly,  upon  a  great 
man,  without  gaining  something  from  him.  He  is  the  living  light- 
fountain,  which  it  is  good  and  pleasant  to  be  near." — Carlyle. 

1.  Examine  Micah,  fourth  chapter,  for  the  following:  (i)-  The 
presence  of  a  passage  (vv.  1-3)  which  is  found  almost  word  for 
word  in  Isa.  2:2-4;  (2)  The  promising  character  of  this  chapter  in 
the  main;  (3)  Recognition  of  the  fact  that  the  expected  glory 
would  come  after  a  period  of  suffering;  (4)  The  mention  of  Baby- 
lon in  v.  10;  (5)  The  difference  between  God's  view  of  things  and 
the  world's  view,  vv.  II,  12. 

2.  In  chap.  5  note:  (1)  The  presence  in  v.  2  ff,  of  the  remarkable 
Messianic  passage  quoted  in  the  New  Testament  (Matt.  2:6)  ;  (2) 
The  contrast  of  this  with  the  statement  in  v.  1,  that  the  king  of 
Israel  should  be  smitten  on  the  cheek;  (3)  The  connection  of  this 
Messianic  passage  with  the  anticipated  deliverance  from  Assyria, 
v.  5- 

3.  Consider  chap.  7,  noting:  (1)  The  wail  of  the  prophet  over 
the  very  corrupt  state  of  affairs,  vv.  1-6;  (2)  The  striking  similarity 
of  v.  6  to  words  uttered  by  our  Lord.  Cf.  Matt.  10:21,  35,  36; 
(3)  The  fact  that  the  good,  in  the  midst  of  such  distress  and  wicked- 
ness, manifest  faith  in  God;  (4)  The  world-wide  view  here,  vv.  12, 
16;  (5)  The  remarkable  tribute  of  praise  to  God  as  one  who  for- 
gives sin  and  puts  it  away  forever,  vv.  18,  19. 

What  is  your  estimate  of  Micah? 

Personal  Thought:  "Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee?"  is  a  free 
translation  of  the  name  Micah.  What  have  I  discovered  in  the  God 
of  Micah  which  assures  me  that  He  is  the  only  God?  What  attri- 
bute of  God  is  most  prominently  set  forth  in  Micah,  7th  chapter? 
Do  I  know  by  experience  that  this  is  a  true  description  of  God? 


144       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     21 :     KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


ist  Day:  §  107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah,  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  18:1 — 20:21;  2  Chron. 
29:1—32:33;    Isaiah   36:1—39:8) 

"The  characteristic  of  heroism  is  its  persistency.  All  men  have 
wandering  impulses,  fits  and  starts  of  generosity.  But  when  you 
have  resolved  to  be  great,  abide  by  yourself,  and  do  not  weakly  try 
to  reconcile  yourself  with  the  world.  The  heroic  cannot  be  the 
common,  nor  the  common  heroic.  Yet  we  have  the  weakness  to 
expect  the  sympathy  of  people  in  those  actions  whose  excellence  is 
that  they  outrun  sympathy  and  appeal  to  a  tardy  justice!" — Emerson. 

1.  The  topic  for  today  is  the  reformation  of  Hezekiah.  Consult 
Diagrams  XXIII  and  XXXV.  Read  2  Chron.  29:1-11.  What  did 
Hezekiah  do?  What  did  he  say,  and  to  whom?  When  did  he  say 
and  do  these  things?  Glance  through  the  remainder  of  2  Chron., 
ehap.  29.  Note  the  expression,  "all  Israel,"  twice  used  in  v.  24.  It 
appears  from  the  next  chapter  that  Hezekiah's  design  was  to  reunite 
the  whole  nation  into  a  single  religious  community.  The  Northern 
king  was  already  a  vassal  of  Assyria,  and  the  end  of  the  kingdom 
of  Israel  was  near. 

2.  Read  2  Chron.  31:1-21,  also  2  Kings  18:4.  Think  about  the 
thoroughness  with  which  this  reformation  was  conducted,  and  the 
opposition  which  must  have  been  encountered.  But  is  idolatry  de- 
stroyed when  the  idol  is  removed  by  force?  What  part  do  you 
imagine  Micah  and  Isaiah  had  in  the  reformation  of  Hezekiah? 

Personal  Thought:     "And  in  every  work  that  he  began he 

did  it  with  all  his  heart."  Read  the  entire  verse  (2  Chron.  31:21). 
What  good  work  have  I  begun  in  which  I  have  not  persisted  ?  Read 
the  quotation  at  the  head  of  the  page.  "Create  in  me  a  steadfast 
spirit,  O  God." 


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2d  Day:  §  107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah,  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  18:1 — 20:21;  2  Chron. 
29:1—32:33;    Isaiah   36:1—39:8) 

The  following  is  continued  from  yesterday.  Read  the  quotation 
there  and  continue  here  "If  you  would  serve  your  brother,  bec?use 
it  is  fit  for  you  to  serve  him,  do  not  take  back  your  words  when  you 
find  that  prudent  people  do  not  commend  you.  Be  true  to  your  own 
act,  and  congratulate  yourself  if  you  have  done  something  strange 
and  extravagant  and  broken  the  monotony  of  a  decorous  age.  It 
was  a  high  counsel  that  I  once  heard  given  to  a  young  person,  'Al- 
ways do  what  you  are  afraid  to  do.' " — Emerson. 

1.  The  history  of  Hezekiah  as  given  emphasizes  four  important 
events,  the  most  probable  order  of  which  is  as  follows:  (1)  The 
reformation;  (2)  The  illness  and  recovery;  (3)  The  embassy  from 
the  king  of  Babylon ;  (4)  The  invasion  of  Sennacherib.  Consult 
Diagram  XXXV.  The  reformation  occurred  before  the  fall  of 
Samaria,  which  was  besieged  by  Shalmaneser  but  actually  taken  by 
Sargon.  Sargon  afterwards  made  an  expedition  to  the  West  which 
affected  Judah.     Read  Isa.  chap.  20. 

The  illness  of  Hezekiah  most  likely  occurred  713  B.  C.  There 
was  an  eclipse  in  September,  713,  with  which  the  going  back  of  the 
shadow  may  have  been  connected. 

2.  Read  2  Kings  20:1-11.  The  announcement  of  Hezekiah's 
death  was  apparently  unconditional.  Was  it  really  so?  Why  was 
not  the  condition  expressed?  Compare  your  thought  in  reply  to  the 
last  question  with  the  following :  "The  condition  is  not  expressed 
because  God  would  draw  it  from  him  as  a  voluntary  act." 

Personal  Thought:  Meditate  upon  the  words:  "Thou  has  cast 
all  my  sins  behind  Thy  back"  (Isa.  38:17).  How  should  I  live  to- 
day if  God  has  done  this  for  me? 


146       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY      21 :      KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


3d  Day:  §  107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah,  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  18:1 — 20:21;  2  Chron. 
29:1 — 32:33;   Isaiah   36:1—39:8) 

Read  quotations  of  the  last  two  days  and  continue  here :  "Times 
of  heroism  are  generally  times  of  terror,  but  the  day  never  shines 
in  which  this  element  may  not  work.  Whoso  is  heroic  will  always 
find  crises  to  try  his  edge.  Human  virtue  demands  her  champions 
and  martyrs,  and  the  trial  of  persecution  always  proceeds. — 
Emerson. 

1.  The  account  of  the  visit  of  the  embassy  from  the  king  of 
Babylon  given  in  Isa.  chap.  39,  is  practically  the  same  as  that  found 
in  2  Kings  20:12-21.  Read  the  latter  passage.  Read  2  Chron.  32: 
31.  What  reason  is  there  given  why  the  embassy  came?  In  view  of 
political  conditions  what  was  likely  the  real  reason  why  the  visit 
was  made?  Is  the  prophet's  condemnation  to  be  interpreted  on  the 
assumption  that  an  alliance  between  Judah  and  Babylon  against 
Assyria  was  in  contemplation?  Why  should  such  an  alliance  be 
open  to  objection? 

2.  Read  again  2  Chron.  32:31.  Does  "he"  in  the  expression  "that 
he  might  know"  refer  to  Hezekiah  or  to  God?     Read  Deut.  8:2-3. 

"The  tendency  to  worship  the  gold  of  Ophir,  to  think  of  that  as 
the  strength  of  men  and  nations,  lay  near  the  heart  of  this  king  and 

people,  as  it  is  near  the  heart  of  us  all Hezekiah  showed  all  his 

treasures It   was   otherwise    with   the   prophet.     He    had   been 

taught  to    look  through   the  mere  temporary   representatives   of  a 
principle  to  the  principle  itself." — Maurice. 

Personal  Thought:  "God  left  him,  to  try  him,  that  He  might 
know  all  that  was  in  his  heart."  How  would  I  stand  such  a  test  as 
Hezekiah  met?  How  thoroughly  have-:  I  learned  that  my  heart  is 
deceitful  above  all  things?  What  is  the  only  means  by  which  I  may 
today  meet  God's  expectations  in  respect  to  my  life? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       147 

STUDY      ax:      KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


4th  Day:  §  107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah,  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  18:1 — 20:21;  2  Chron. 
29:1—32:33;    Isaiah   36:1—39:8) 

"Persevere  against  discouragement.  Keep  your  temper.  Preserve 
self-possession  and  do  not  be  talked  out  of  a  conviction.  Be 
guarded  in  discourse.  Be  not  forward  to  assign  reasons  to  those 
who  have  no  right  to  ask.  In  all  your  transactions  remember  the 
final  account." — Maxims  of  Bishop  Middleton. 

1.  The  invasion  of  Sennacherib  is  the  fourth  event  made  prom- 
inent in  the  record  of  Hezekiah's  reign.     Recall  the  other  three. 

Read  Isa.  14  :24-27.  State  in  a  brief  sentence  of  your  own  the 
leading  thought  of  this  paragraph. 

2.  Read  2  Chron.  32:1-8.  Does  this  noble  confidence  in  God 
endure?    We  shall  see. 

3.  Read  2  Kings  18:14-16.  But  did  Hezekiah  obtain  permanent 
relief?  Read  2  Kings  18:17-37.  What  did  Hezekiah  do  under  the 
circumstances,  and  with  what  results?     Read  2  Kings  19:1-7. 

"In  all  the  Bible  there  is  not  a  personage  more  clever  than  this 
Rabshakeh,  nor  more  typical.  He  was  an  able  deputy  of  the  king 
who  sent  him,  but  he  represented  still  more  thoroughly  the  temper 
of  the  civilization  to  which  he  belonged A  clever,  fluent  diplo- 
matist, with  the   traveler's  knowledge  of  men  and  the  conqueror's 

contempt  for  them a  creature  able  to  speak  to  natives  in  their 

own  language,  full  and  ready  of  information,  mastering  the  surface 
of  affairs  at  a  glance,  but  always  baffled  by  the  deeper  tides  which 
sway  nations;  a  deft  player  upon  party  interests  and  the  superficial 
human  passions,  but  unfit  to  touch  the  deep  springs  of  men's  religion 
and  patriotism." — G.  A.  Smith. 

Personal  Thought  :  Returning  in  thought  to  the  inconstancy  of 
Hezekiah's  trust  in  God,  inquire  into  your  own  record  in  respect  to 
the  same,  and  try  to  answer  the  question:  How  may  I  continue 
steadfast  in  my  devotedness  to  God?  Are  there  means  to  this  end? 
If  so,  what  are  they?    Am  I  employing  them? 


148       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY      21 :     KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


5th  Day:  §  107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah,  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  18:1 — 20:21;  2  Chron. 
29:1—32:33;  Isaiah  36:1—39:8) 

"He  shall  call  upon  me,  and  I  will  answer  him ; 
I  will  be  with  him  in  trouble." — Psalm  91  :i5. 

1.  Continuing  the  study  of  Sennacherib's  invasion,  read  Isa.  17: 
12-14.     What  is  the  application  of  these  verses  to  the  subject? 

2.  Read  2  Kings  19:8-37.  Who  is  the  hero  of  the  occasion? 
"This  scene  is  a  parable  of  the  everlasting  struggle  between  faith 
and  force,  with  doubt  and  despair  between  them.  In  the  clever, 
self-confident,  persuasive  personage  with  two  languages  on  his 
tongue,  and  an  army  at  his  back;  in  the  fluttered  representatives  of 
official  religion  who  meet  him;  in  the  ranks  of  the  dispirited  men 
who  hear  the  dialogue ;  in  the  sensitive  king  so  aware  of  faith,  and 
yet  so  helpless  to  bring  faith  forth  to  peace  and  triumph;  and,  in 
the  background  of  the  whole  situation,  the  serene  prophet  of  God, 
grasping  only  God's  word,  and  proving  that  faith  can  be  the  sub- 
stance of  things  hoped  for— we  have  a  phase  of  the  struggle 
ordained  for  every  generation  of  men." — G.  A.  Smith. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  2  Kings  19:4,  19.  On  what  did  Hez- 
ekiah ground  his  hope?  Would  failure  to  receive  a  favorable  re- 
sponse to  my  prayer  bring  reproach  upon  God?  How  often  do  I 
use  Hezekiah's  argument  in  prayer?  Are  my  interests  and  God's 
interests  identical? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       149 

STUDY      21:     KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


6th  Day:  §  107.  Hezekiah  King  of  Judah,  and  Isaiah  the 
Prophet  (2  Kings  18:1 — 20:21;  2  Chron. 
29:1—32:33;    Isaiah   36:1—39:8) 

"Fame  is  vapor,  popularity  an  accident,  riches  take  wings,  those 
who  cheer  to-day  will  curse  to-morrow,  only  one  thing  endures — 
character." — Horace  Greely. 

1.  Spend  two  or  three  minutes  on  Diagram  XXXIII,  with  special 
reference  to  chaps.  7 — 12.  Note  what  this  portion  is  called.  Glance 
over  the  chapters  for  the  word  Assyria  and  underline  it  wherever 
found.  Is  there  anything  more  dramatic  than  the  first  part  of  chap. 
10?  Spend  any  remaining  moments  in  working  out  the  contrast 
between  the  forest  (chap.  10),  and  the  twig  (chap.  11).  Reflect 
upon  the  occasion  and  content  of  these  Messianic  passages. 

2.  "Israel  never  wholly  lost  the  grace  of  the  baptism  wherewith 
she  was  baptized  in  701  B.  C.  There  is  no  event  even  in  her  history 
in  which  the  unaided  interposition  of  God  was  more  conspicuous. 
It  is  from  an  appreciation  of  the  meaning  of  such  a  providence  that 
Israel  derives  her  character — that  character  which  marks  her  off  so 
distinctively  from  her  great  rival  in  the  education  of  the  human 
race,  and  endows  her  ministry  with  its  peculiar  value  to  the  world 

In  Greece  the  human  is  greater  than  the  divine In  Judah 

man  is  great  simply  as  he  rests  on  God.  The  rocks  of  Thermopylae, 
how  imperishably  beautiful  do  they  shine  to  the  latest  ages  with  the 
comradeship,  the  valor,  the  sacrificial  blood  of  human  heroes !  It  is 
another  beauty  which  Isaiah  saw  upon  the  bare,  dry  rocks  of  Zion, 
and  which  has  drawn  to  them  the  admiration  of  the  world.  There!' 
said  he;  'Jehovah  is  glory  for  us,  a  place  of  broad  rivers  and 
streams.'"— G.  A.  Smith. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  Isa.  11:2,  and  measure  yourself 
thereby.  "Your  heavenly  Father  is  willing  to  give  the  Holy  Spirit  to 
them  that  ask  Him." 


ISO       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     21 :     KINGS     AND      PROPHETS      OF     MIDDLE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES 


7th  Day:    §  108.    Songs    of    Deliverance    from    the    Assyrian 
(Psalms  75,  76,  46,  47,  48) 

"Just  in  the  last  distressing  hour 
The  Lord  displays  delivering  power; 
The  mount  of  danger  is  the  place 
Where  we  shall  see  surprising  grace." 

1.  Read  the  75th  Psalm,  which  is  regarded  by  many  as  celebrating 
if  not  anticipating  the  deliverance  from  Sennacherib.  The  psalm 
opens  with  ascription  of  praise,  passes  to  the  announcement  of  God's 
righteous  judgment,  and  closes  with  a  determination  to  publish  the 
praise  of  Jehovah  forever. 

2.  Read  the  76th  Psalm,  which  is  generally  regarded  as  celebrat- 
ing the  overthrow  of  the  Assyrian  King  in  Hezekiah's  time.  Note 
the  division  into  four  strophes  of  three  verses  each.  Characterize 
each  strophe.  This  psalm  has  interesting  modern  historical  associa- 
tions. "When  the  Covenanters  at  Drumclog  closed  their  ranks  to 
meet  the  onset  of  Claverhouse  and  his  dragoons,  they  sang  the 
opening  verses  to  the  tune  of  Martyrs.  A  century  earlier  in  1588, 
when  the  first  rumor  of  the  discomfiture  of  the  Spanish  Armada 
reached  Edinburgh  and  the  citizens  assembled  to  render  thanks  to 
God,  Robert  Bruce,  addressing  them,  took  this  psalm  for  his  text." 
— Binnie. 

"Charles  Kingsley  had  a  special  love  for  this  76th  Psalm.  When 
sailing  up  the  Rhine,  and  looking  on  the  ruined  strongholds  of  the 
old  freebooters,  he  writes,  'How  strange  that  my  favorite  psalm 
about  the  hills  of  the  robbers  (hills  of  prey)  should  have  come  in 
course  the  very  day  I  went  up  the  Rhine ! '  " — Ker. 

Personal  Thought:  "For  neither  from  the  east  nor  from  the 
west,  nor  yet  from  the  south  cometh  lifting  up.  But  God  is  Judge : 
He  putteth  down  one,  and  lifteth  up  another." — Psalm  75  :6,  7. 

How   fully  do  I   recognize  this  truth?     Do  I  rejoice  in  it?     What 
are  the  reasons  why  one  should  rejoice  in  it? 


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STUDY      22:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      LATE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES,    WITH    REVIEW 


1st  Day:    §  108.    Songs    of    Deliverance    from    the    Assyrian 
(Psalms  75,  76,  46,  47,  48) 

"The  Bible  will  richly  repay  study,  but  only  if  the  conditions  are 
observed  which  common  sense  dictates.  It  has  no  power  of  working 
like  a  charm,  so  that  a  chapter  read  in  a  couple  of  minutes  by  a  pre- 
occupied mind  can  do  any  good.  The  mind  must  rest  on  it  and  give 
itself  time  to  receive  impressions.  It  requires  the  whole  force  of  our 
thinking  and  the  whole  force  of  our  feeling." — Stalker. 

1.  The  subject  of  the  last  Study  is  here  continued.  Psalms  46, 
47  and  48  are  the  portion  for  to-day.  Of  the  46th  Psalm  Per- 
rowne  says,  "This  and  the  two  following  psalms  are  hymns  of  tri- 
umph, composed  on  the  occasion  of  some  great  deliverance.  I  am 
inclined  to  think  that  they  all  celebrate  the  same  event,  the  sudden 
and  miraculous  destruction  of  the  army  of  Sennacherib  under  the 

walls  of  Jerusalem Such  a  deliverance  must  have  filled  a  whole 

nation  with  wonder  and  joy.  The  old  days  of  Moses  and  David 
would  seem  to  have  returned.  The  hopes  of  prophets,  so  great  and 
so  glowing,  yet  so  often  apparently  defeated,  seemed  now  nearer  to 
their  accomplishment.  The  times  were  at  hand  when  Jerusalem 
should  be  indeed  the  joy  of  the  whole  earth,  when  all  nations  should 
acknowledge  Jehovah  as  their  king The  burden,  alike  of  pro- 
phecy and  psalm,  is  Immanuel,  God  with  us." 

In  the  light  of  the  above  read  Psalm  46. 

2.  Read  Psalm  47,  "a  practical  expansion  of  46:10,  T  am  exalted 
among  the  nations,  I  am  exalted  in  the  earth.'  " 

3.  Read  Psalm  48,  noting  that  the  assurance  for  the  future  of 
v.  14  is  based  upon  a  record  of  the  past,  and  an  experience  of  the 
present  (see  v.  8a). 

Personal  Thought:  "We  have  thought.  O  God,  of  thy  loving- 
kindness."  How  much  have  I  thought  of  it?  How  has  it  been 
manifested  to  me?  How  may  my  life  more  fully  show  forth  the 
loving-kindness  of  the  Lord? 


152       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY      22:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      LATE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES,    WITH    REVIEW 


2d  Day:    §  109.    A     Summary    of    Isaiah's     Preaching — "The 
Great  Arraignment"    (Isaiah   1:1-31) 

"The  hope  for  God's  future  is  the  cheer  for  man's  present." — 
Selected. 

1.  Recall  the  names  of  the  four  Principal  Divisions  of  the  Old 
Testament  History  of  Abraham  and  his  Posterity.     (See  p.  xi.) 

Read  attentively  the  titles  of  chapters  I-XIX  in  the  Analytical  Out- 
line. What  chapters  are  included  in  the  first  six  sub-periods?  With 
what  two  sub-periods  are  the  Assyrian  times  coterminous?  What  is 
the  number  and  what  are  the  limits  of  the  divisions  of  the  Assyrian 
times  (see  Diagram  XVIII)  ?  By  what  nation  and  when  was  the 
Northern  Kingdom  destroyed?  How  was  the  power  of  this  nation 
broken  so  that  the  Southern  Kingdom  (Judah)  escaped  its  hand? 

It  is  meet  that  in  this  course  we  give  one  more  day  to  Isaiah. 
May  one  result  of  these  Studies  be  a  full  year  spent  some  time  by 
each  one  following  them,  upon  the  book  of  Isaiah. 

"The  Great  Arraignment'  is  the  title  appropriately  suggested 
by  Ewald  for  the  prophecy  found  in  Isaiah  1.  Jehovah  is  the  plain- 
tiff, Israel  the  defendant,  the  prophet  a  deeply  interested  bystander 
and  interlocutor.  Hence  the  prophecy  naturally  falls  into  four 
strophes,  dividing  at  vv.  10,  18,  24.  Str.  I  contains  the  charge  with 
an  appeal  to  the  witnesses;  II  meets  a  preliminary  objection  of 
Israel's  to  a  production  of  a  charge;  III  offers  reconciliation  on 
condition  of  Israel's  amendment;  IV  fulminates  the  judgment  which 
the  rejection  of  this  gracious  offer  renders  inevitable.  The  prophecy 
begins  by  addressing  the  whole  people  as  equally  guilty ;  then  directs 
itself  more  especially  to  the  higher  classes ;  and  last  of  all  anticipates 
that  some  will  be  converted  and  so  escape  destruction.  There  is  no 
finer  specimen  of  prophetic  oratory  than  this."— Cheyne. 

Read  Isaiah,  chap.  1,  which  is  an  introduction  to,  and  at  the  same 
time  a  summary  of,  the  entire  collection  of  the  prophet's  writings. 

Personal  Thought:  "When  ye  make  many  prayers,  I  will  not 
hear :  Your  hands  are  full  of  blood."  Is  this  charge  in  any  sense 
applicable  to  me?    Meditate  on  Isa.  1  :i5-i8. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      153 

STUDY      22:        KINGS      AND      PROPHETS      OF      LATE 
ASSYRIAN    TIMES,    WITH    REVIEW 


3d  Day:    §  no.    Manasseh  and  Amon  Kings  of  Judah  (2  Kings 
21:1-28;  2  Chron.  33:1-25) 

"You  may  depend  upon  it,  religion  is,  in  its  essence,  the  most  gen- 
tlemanly thing  in  the  world.  It  will  alone  gentleize,  if  unmixed  with 
cant;  and  I  know  nothing  else  that  will  alone;  certainly  not  the 
army,  which  is  thought  to  be  the  grand  embellisher  of  manners." — 
Coleridge. 

1.  Spend  one-half  of  the  time  today  if  necessary  in  reviewing  the 
periods  of  the  kings  of  Judah  and  Israel.  Consult  Diagrams  XVIII, 
XIX,  XX,  XXV,  XXVI,  XXVII,  XXXII,  XXXV,  XXXVI, 
XXXII.  Think  through  these  times,  locating  the  prophets  as  you 
may  be  able,  and  recalling  the  relationships,  mission  and  character 
of  each. 

2.  Read  about  the  son  and  grandson  of  Hezekiah  in  2  Kings 
21  :i-26.  What  expression  in  v.  16  reminds  one  of  the  first  king  of 
Israel?  Did  God  leave  Manasseh  without  witness  that  he  was  doing 
wrong?  Read  vv.  10-12.  What  was  the  worst  of  Manasseh's  sins? 
What  are  the  names  of  the  reformers  who  antedated  Manasseh's 
time?  Consult  Diagram  XXIII.  The  history  of  Israel  seems  to 
show  a  development  in  parallel  lines  of  both  good  and  evil.  Each 
reformation  is  followed  by  more  determined  effort  on  the  part  of  evil 
to  undo  the  good.    The  faithful  remnant  is  preserved  and  purified. 

Personal  Thought:  "The  Lord  spake  unto  Manasseh  and  to  his 
people:  but  they  gave  no  heed."  What  was  the  result?  Is  there 
any  message  from  God  to  which  I  am  not  giving  heed? 


154       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  22:  KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  LATE  ASSYRIAN 
TIMES,  WITH  REVIEW 


4th  Day:    §111.    Nahum  the  Prophet  and  the  King  of  Assyria 
(The   Book  of   Nahum) 

"To  try  too  hard  to  make  people  good  is  one  way  to  make  them 
worse.  The  only  way  to  make  good  is  to  be  good — remembering 
well  the  beam  and  the  mote.  The  time  for  speaking  comes  rarely ; 
the  time  for  being  never  departs." — George  MacDonald. 

1.  Nahum  must  have  prophesied  after  the  fall  of  Thebes  (No- 
Amon),  which  occurred  about  664  B.  C,  see  Nahum  3  :8.  It  is  likely 
that  the  book  which  bears  his  name  was  produced  some  time  between 
660  and  640  B.  C.  The  style  of  the  prophet  is  most  graphic.  "  Na- 
hum describes  the  fate  of  the  vast  city  in  images  which  human  imag- 
ination or  human  language  has  never  surpassed." — Milman.  "In 
grandeur  of  style,  in  condensed  energy,  in  elevation  of  sentiment  and 
rapid  transitions,  and  in  a  certain  completeness  of  representation, 
Nahum  stands,  if  not  the  very  first,  yet  near  the  very  first  of  the 
Hebrew  prophets." — B.  B.  Edwards. 

2.  As  regards  the  teaching  of  Nahum,  Farrar  says :  "It  is  less 
directly  spiritual  than  the  prophecies  of  Hosea,  Isaiah  or  Micah,  yet  it 
forcibly  brings  before  us  God's  moral  government  of  the  world,  and 
the  duty  of  trust  in  Him  as  the  avenger  of  wrong-doers,  the  sole 
source  of  security  and  peace  to  those  who  love  Him." 

The  theme  of  Nahum  is :  Judgment  upon  the  bloody  and  rapacious 
city  and  empire  of  Nineveh  with  all  its  gods.  The  book  may  be  out- 
lined as  follows : 

I.  The  judgment  announced,  chap.  1. 

II.  The  judgment  described,  chap.  2. 

III.  The  judgment  reviewed,  with  special  reference  to  the  cause 
of  it,  chap.  3. 

In  the  light  of  the  above,  read  the  book  of  Nahum  aloud  if  possible. 
Think  of  it  as  an  oration  as  you  read. 

Personal  Thought:  Consult  Diagram  XXXVIII.  Think  of  the 
different  circumstances  of  the  prophecies  of  Jonah  and  Nahum  and 
reflect  upon  the  revelation  of  God  made  in  these  two  little  books. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       155 

STUDY  22:  KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  LATE  ASSYRIAN 
TIMES,  WITH  REVIEW 


5th  Day:  §  112.  Josiah  King  of  Judah  (2  Kings  22:1—23:30;  2 
Chron.  34  :i— 35  -27) 

"Meditation,  with  the  sense  of  God  being  present,  is  the  most 
precious  of  all  kinds  of  meditation.  Many  know  well  what  it  is  to 
think  habitually  with  the  sense  of  the  presence  of  another  human 
mind.  Religious  meditation  is  thinking  with  a  sense  of  having  our 
judgments,  our  intentions  and  conduct  reviewed  by  the  mind  of  God; 
and  the  blessed  result  of  it  is  that  it  gradually  forms  in  our  minds 
the  habit  of  checking  the  whole  tenor  of  our  outer  and  inner  life  by 
considering  how  each  thing  would  look  in  the  eyes  of  God." — Stalker. 

1.  If  you  will  work  out  the  following  properly  you  will  be  much 
interested  and  profited.  Read  (2  Chron.  34:1 — 35:27),  recording 
answers  to  the  questions  below  as  you  proceed :  What  did  Josiah  do 
and  when?    Why  did  he  act  as  he  did? 

The  most  noteworthy  addition  to  the  account  in  Chronicles  is  in  2 
Kings  23  :  15-18.    Read  in  connection  with  this  1  Kings  13  :i-5. 

2.  The  passover  was  commemorated  by  Josiah  in  622  B.  C,  just 
100  years  after  the  destruction  of  Samaria,  which  occurred  722  B.  C. 
These  are  two  dates  worth  remembering. 

The  book  of  the  law  which  was  read  is  believed  to  have  been 
Deuteronomy.  How  often  was  the  public  reading  of  the  book  of  the 
law  required?  See  Deut.  31  :io-i3.  Why  was  Josiah  ignorant  of  it? 
See  Deut.  31:26.  Cf.  2  Kings  22:8.  Wherein  lay  the  weakness  of 
Josiah's  work  of  reformation?  Wherein  lay  its  strength?  Was  much 
of  the  personal  influence  of  the  king  manifest  in  the  movement. 

Personal  Thoughts  "In  the  eighth  year  of  his  reign,  while  he 
was  yet  young,  he  began  to  seek  after  the  God  of  David  his  father : 
and  in  the  twelfth  year  he  began  to  purge  Judah.  In  the  eighteenth 
year  he  sent  Shaphan  to  repair  the  house  of  the  Lord."  There  is  food 
here  for  reflection.  Josiah  made  an  early  and  right  start,  and  pro- 
gressed and  was  pertinacious  to  the  end.  How  does  my  life  com- 
pare with  his  in  these  things? 


156      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  22:  KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  LATE  ASSYRIAN 
TIMES,  WITH  REVIEW 


6th  Day:    §  113.     The  Prophet  Zephaniah  (The  Book  of  Zeph- 
aniah) 

"The  great  privilege  of  the  prophets  and  apostles  was  not  their 
being  inspired  and  working  miracles,  but  their  eminent  holiness.  The 
grace  that  was  in  their  hearts  was  a  thousand  times  more  than  their 
dignity  and  honor,  than  their  miraculous  gifts." — Edwards. 

"If  anyone,"  says  a  writer,  "wishes  all  the  secret  oracles  of  all  the 
prophets  to  be  given  in  a  brief  compendium,  let  him  read  through  this 
brief  Zephaniah." 

I.  Zephaniah  evidently  prophesied  early  in  the  days  of  Josiah. 
Read  Zeph.  1:1-3,  and  cf.  Jer.  4:23-26  for  the  dark  picture  of 
idolatry  and  the  announcement  of  judgment  to  come. 

As  you  examine  this  short  book  note  further:  (1)  The  frequent 
use  of  the  word  day  referring  to  a  future  time  of  judgment  for  the 
nation;  (2)  The  moral  condition  indicated  by  Chap.  1:12;  (3) 
The  prominence  given  to  sin  as  the  cause  of  coming  evil,  1  :ij  and 
elsewhere;  (4)  The  urgency  of  the  call  to  repentance  before  it  should 
be  too  late,  Chap.  2:1-3;  (5)  The  mention  of  five  different  nations  in 
Chap.  2,  which  would  be  engulfed  in  the  coming  destruction ;  (6) 
The  graphic  picture  of  Nineveh  laid  waste,  Chap.  2:13-15;  (7)  The 
charge  in  Chap.  3:3,  4 ;  (8)  The  contrast  between  the  rulers  of 
earth  and  God,  Chap.  3  :5 ;  (9)  God's  hope  that  His  own  people  would 
take  warning  at  judgments  sent  on  others  is  disappointed,  Chap.  3:7; 
(10)  The  assurance  that  a  remnant  will  survive;  (11)  The  bright 
future  with  which  the  prophet  concludes  his  message.  Contrast  the 
gloomy  opening.  "Dies  irae"  is  based  on  Zeph.,  Chap.  1.  What  con- 
ception of  God  had  Zephaniah?    Read  Chap.  3:5,  17. 

Personal  Thought  :  Reflect  upon  what  must  have  been  the  char- 
acter of  Zephaniah.  As  an  aid  to  conclusions,  read  1:6;  2:3;  3:4. 
What  place  does  study  of  and  reflection  upon  the  character  of  God 
have  in  producing  such  a  character  as  Zephaniah?  Do  I  think 
enough  about  God  as  revealed  in  the  Scriptures? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      157 

STUDY  22:  KINGS  AND  PROPHETS  OF  LATE  ASSYRIAN 
TIMES,  WITH  REVIEW 


7th  Day:     §     114.    The     Prophet     Habakkuk     (The     Book     of 
Habakkuk) 

"One  should  often  recall  that  quiet  resolution  of  President  Ed- 
wards :  'Resolved,  That  I  will  do  whatsoever  I  think  to  be  most  for 
God's  glory  and  my  own  good,  profit  and  pleasure  on  the  whole, 
without  any  consideration  of  the  time,  whether  now  or  never  so 
many  myriads  of  ages  hence'  This  is  civil  engineering  that  amounts 
to  something— surveying  and  laying  out  a  track  through  eternity." 

1.  The  motto  of  Habakkuk  might  be  taken  from  the  heart  of  the 
prophecy,  Chap.  1 14.  Where  in  the  New  Testament  are  these  words 
found?    See  Rom.  1:17b;  Heb.  10:38. 

Habakkuk  probably  prophesied  early  in  the  reign  of  Josiah.  Some 
hold  that  he  uttered  his  message  in  the  reign  of  Jehoiakim.  "The 
design  of  this  prophecy  is  to  portray  the  sovereignty  of  God  as  chas- 
tening His  people  for  their  sins,  and  also  visiting  with  deserved  pun- 
ishment those  who  as  godless  agents  seek  to  destroy  them.  Wicked- 
ness shall  not  go  unpunished,  but  woe  unto  those  who  take  the  rod  of 
God  into  their  own  hands.  The  consoling  thought  as  illustrated  in 
the  prophet's  experience  is  that  a  good  man,  though  deprived  of  all 
human  support  and  stripped  of  his  earthly  possessions,  may  still  be 
happy  in  God  alone,  as  the  bestower  of  higher  spiritual  blessings."— 
Steams. 

2.  Examine  the  prophecy  following  the  outline  given  below : 

1.  The  questioning  of  faith,  Chap.  I. 

2.  The  listening  of  faith,  see  especially  Chap.  2:1. 

3.  The  waiting  of  faith,  Chap.  2  .2,  3. 

4.  The  triumphing  of  faith,  Chap.  3,  especially  vv.  17-19-  Note 
the  prominence  of  the  word  salvation  in  the  last  chapter.  Answer 
the  question  in  Chap.  3  :8  by  reading  verse  13. 

Personal  Thought  :  The  character  and  personality  of  the  prophet 
as  intimately  related  to  his  message  is  strikingly  illustrated  in  Habak- 
kuk. He  had  real  difficulty  and  through  real  travail  of  soul  came  to 
the  knowledge  of  God  and  His  will  which  is  here  presented.  Reflect 
on  Chap.  1:12,  13,  and  Chap.  3:18,  19.  "When  your  troubles  be- 
come too  great  for  prayer  then  begin  to  sing."— Luther. 


158      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     23:       JEREMIAH,     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


1st  Day:     §   116.     The  Call  and  the  Commission   of  Jeremiah 
(Jeremiah  i  :i-i9) 

"There  is  a  growing  need  in  this  world  that  we  must  meet  not  by  a 
contribution  of  money  but  of  self." — Dr.  Boynton. 

1.  The  following  reasons  may  be  assigned  for  a  careful  study  of 
the  book  of  Jeremiah:  (1)  It  is  comparatively  little  known;  (2)  The 
book  gives  more  details  about  the  life,  methods  and  work  of  an  Old 
Testament  prophet  than  does  any  other;  (3)  It  abounds  in  material 
for  character  study ;  (4)  It  is  invaluable  for  its  great  moral  lessons ; 
(5)  The  period  in  which  Jeremiah  lived  is  one  of  the  most  important 
and  interesting  in  Old  Testament  history. 

Consult  Diagram  XXXIX  for  a  general  idea  of  the  arrangement  of 
the  book  of  Jeremiah.  Read  everything  in  connection  with  the 
Diagram. 

2.  Read  Jer.  1:1-10  aloud  with  care,  making  note  of  everything 
which  strikes  you.  Did  you  observe:     (1)  "The  words  of  Jeremiah 

to  whom  the  word  of  the  Lord  came?"    Glance  over  the  first 

page  or  two  of  the  text  of  Jeremiah  and  note  how  often  the  expres- 
sion, "The  word  of  the  Lord"  or  its  equivalent  occurs.  We  have 
here  the  true  words  of  man,  and  the  real  Word  of  God;  (2)  give 
close  thought  to  vv.  5-10.  What  was  the  message  of  God  to  Jere- 
miah? What  objection  did  Jeremiah  make?  How  did  God  meet  it? 
What  was  Jeremiah  commissioned  to  do? 

Personal  Thought:  "I  have  appointed  thee I  am  with  thee." 

When  may  I  rely  without  question  upon  God  to  be  with  me?  How 
may  I  know  that  I  am  where  God  wishes  me,  and  that  I  am  doing 
His  work? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      159 

STUDY     23:       JEREMIAH      THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


2d  Day:     §   116.     The  Call  and  the  Commission  of  Jeremiah 
(Jeremiah  i  :i-i9) 

"I  am  being  taught  never  to  be  disappointed  but  to  praise." — James 
Hannington. 

1.  Re-read  the  reasons  given  in  Study  23,  1st  Day,  for  the  study 
of  Jeremiah;  afterwards  consider  the  following  additional  ones:  (6) 
The  history  of  Jeremiah  bears  a  closer  analogy  to  that  of  Jesus  than 
that  of  any  other  prophet  of  the  Old  Testament;  (7)  "So  far  as  we 
have  data  for  a  judgment  Jeremiah  was  the  healthiest,  strongest, 
bravest,  grandest  man  of  Old  Testament  history." — Ballantine. 

2.  Read  Jer.  1  :n,  12.  Which  is  expressed  here,  the  content  or  the 
certainty  of  God's  revelation?  Note  the  marginal  readings  for  in- 
dication of  punning  in  the  original.  Introduce  the  sounds  given  in 
the  margin  as  you  read  aloud  vv.  12,  13.  Attempting  to  reproduce  the 
force  of  the  play  on  words  into  the  English  it  would  be :    "I  see  the 

rod  of  an  early  awake I  am  early  awake  in  respect  to  my  word 

to  perform  it." 

3.  Read  Jer.  1:13-16.  Consider  the  force  of  the  figure.  A  flood 
is  often  used  to  describe  destruction.  Think  of  what  a  boiling  flood 
would  mean. 

4.  Read  Jer.  1:17-19.  Reflect  upon  the  expressions,  "defenced 
city,"  "iron  pillar,"  "brazen  walls"  (v.  18),  in  the  light  of  Jeremiah's 
confession  in  v.  6.  Read  Isa.  41  :i4,  15,  getting  the  contrast  between 
"worm"  and  "new,  sharp  threshing  instrument  having  teeth."  But 
was  Jeremiah's  work  to  be  aggressive  or  defensive?  Which  is  the 
more  difficult?    Reflect  further  on  the  expressions  in  v.  18. 

Personal  Thought:  "A  defenced  city." — How  much  resistance 
of  sin  am  I  good  for? 

"An  iron  pillar."— How  much  iron  have  I  in  my  spiritual  life? 
"Brazen  walls."— How  much  patient  endurance  do  I  possess? 
How  may  I  have  all  these  things?    Read  v.  19b. 


i6o       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     23:       JEREMIAH      THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


3d  Day:    §  115.    The  Kings  of  Judah   in  Jeremiah's  Time   (2 
Kings  22:1 — 25:30;  2  Chron.  34:1—36:23) 

"The  longer  I  live,  the  more  I  am  certain  that  the  great  difference 
between  men — between  the  feeble  and  the  powerful,  the  great  and 
the  insignificant — is  energy,  invincible  determination,  a  purpose  once 
fixed  on,  then  death  or  victory.  This  quality  will  do  anything  that 
can  be  done  in  the  world ;  and  no  talents,  no  circumstances,  no 
opportunities,  will  make  a  two-legged  creature  a  man  without  it." — 
Sir  Thomas  Fowell  Button. 

1.  Seek  to  get  today  a  clearer  view  than  you  now  possess,  of  the 
political  and  religious  situation  in  Jeremiah's  day.  To  this  end 
read  again  Jer.  1  :i-3. 

2.  Draw  a  line  across  a  sheet  of  paper,  assigning  the  first  part  of 
it  to  Josiah,  the  second  part  to  Jehoiakim,  and  the  third  part  to 
Zedekiah.  Make  a  note  on  the  portion  assigned  to  Josiah  that 
Jeremiah  began  to  prophesy  in  the  thirteenth  year  of  Josiah's  reign. 
Turn  now  to  2  Kings,  Chap.  22.  Read  vv.  1-3,  making  note  of 
times  mentioned.  Read  also  2  Kings  23:23 — 31:36;  24:8,  18-20; 
25:1.  Consult  Diagrams  XL-XLIII.  Read  now  as  much  of  2 
Chron.  34:1 — 36:23  as  you  have  time  for,  thinking  all  the  while 
of  the  time  of  Jeremiah's  call  to  the  prophetic  office  and  trying  to 
imagine  what  he  must  have  said  and  done.  Do  this  with  especial 
care  in  connection  with  the  events  of  Josiah's  reign.  Who  doubt- 
less largely  influenced  Jeremiah  in  early  life?  Did  he  likely  figure 
prominently  in  the  reform  measures  of  Josiah? 

Personal  Thought:     "While  he  was  yet  young  he  began  to  seek 

after  the  God  of  David."     Think  for  a  moment  of  the  character  of 

'the  God  of  David.     What  is  it  to  seek  after  God?    How  may   I 

more  truly  seek  after  God?    What  are  some  results  of  seeking  after 

God? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      161 

STUDY     23:        JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


4th  Day:    §  115.    The    Kings    of    Judah    in    Jeremiah's    Time 
(2  Kings  22:1 — 25:30;  2  Chron.  34:1—36:23) 

"Here  is  a  man  who  is  manifestly  sustained  as  well  as  guided  by 
influences  from  heaven.  The  Holy  Spirit  dwells  in  him.  God 
speaks  through  him.  The  heroism,  the  nobility,  the  pure  and  stain- 
less enthusiasm  at  the  root  of  his  life  come,  beyond  question,  from 
Christ.  There  must,  therefore,  be  a  Christ;  and  it  is  worth  while 
to  have  such  a  helper  and  redeemer  as  this  Christ  undoubtedly  is, 
and  as  He  here  reveals  Himself  in  this  wonderful  disciple." — 
Stanley  on  Livingstone. 

1.  Give  this  day  chiefly  to  getting  still  more  clearly  in  mind  the 
political  and  religious  situation  in  which  Jeremiah  wrought.  Read 
again  Jer.  1:1-3.  Glance  again  at  Diagrams  XL-XLIII.  Give  the 
remainder  of  today's  time  to  new  material  in  2  King's  22:1 — 25:30, 
all  the  while  keeping  before  you  the  prophet  Jeremiah  as  you  read, 
and  trying  to  imagine  how  he  acted  and  what  he  said.  See  how 
much  of  his  career  you  can  forecast.     Read  Jer.  1:17-19. 

Personal  Thought:     "Ah,  Lord  God!     Behold  I  cannot  speak: 

for  I  am  a  child Say  not  I  am  a  child I  have  appointed 

thee I    am   with   thee."     What   was   the    secret    of  Jeremiah's 

success  as  so  far  indicated?    Think  down  into  this.    Am  I  distrust- 
ful of  self?    Am  I  trustful  of  God?    Do  I  act  upon  His  word? 


j62       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     23:        JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


5th  Day:  §  117.  The  Substance  of  Jeremiah's  Message  During 
the  Reign  of  Josiah  (Jer.  2:1 — 6:30;  11  :i — 
12:17) 

"The  first  thing  that  a  human  being  should  recognize  about  him- 
self is  that  his  character  is  his  distinguishing  feature.  It  is  not  the 
amount  of  money,  the  amount  of  power,  the  amount  of  brains  that 
a  man  has  that  is  his  distinguishing  feature,  but  his  character.  In 
God's  sight  men  are  what  they  are  in  their  wishes  and  ambitions. 
The  supreme  ambition  of  every  one  should  be  to  be  worthy  in 
character." — Selected. 

1.  The  Book  of  Jeremiah  is  thought  of  by  many  as  the  backslid- 
ing book.  This  is  a  mistake.  Practically  all  there  is  in  the  book 
about  backsliding  is  found  in  the  2d  and  3d  chapters.  Keep  prom- 
inent in  your  mind  today  the  moral  and  religious  condition  of  Judah 
in  Jeremiah's  time.  Note  down  any  striking  statements  about 
this  as  you  proceed.  Study  this  subject  in  the  light  of  the  character 
of  God  as  set  forth  in  this  passage.  At  once  read  Jer.  chap.  2  :5,  6, 
*3>  31  J  3:I2-i4,  for  definite  statements  about  God.  Read  now  chap. 
2  of  Jer.,  not  pausing  for  definite  understanding  of  what  may  at 
first  be  obscure,  but  reading  for  the  general  impression  of  the  moral 
and  religious  situation  which  the  chapter  will  give  you. 

Jer.  chap.  2:17,  19;  chap.  3:23,  should  be  put  on  your  list  of  pas- 
sages to  be  memorized.  Correct  the  usual  wrong  interpretation  of 
Psalm  121:1  by  Jer.  3:23. 

Personal  Thought:  Reflect  on  2:17,  19.  Recognizing  now 
more  clearly  the  fact  that  sin  pays  in  bitterness,  what  shall  be  my 
policy  toward  it  today. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      163 

STUDY     23:         JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


6th  Day:  §  117.  The  Substance  of  Jeremiah's  Message  During 
the  Reign  of  Josiah  (Jer.  2:1—6:30;  11  :i— 
12:17) 

''To  understand  Jeremiah  implies  such  a  profound  insight  into 
human  character,  into  the  lessons  of  the  past  and  the  facts  of  the 
present,  into  the  religious  history  of  the  race  and  the  perils  of  to- 
day, as  our  happy  circumstances  and  prosperous  material  civilization 
with  difficulty  allow.  To  understand  Jeremiah  is  to  understand  the 
world's  need  of  Christ." — Ballantinc. 

1.  Chapters  4-6  might  be  called  "The  Immediate  Danger  Chap- 
ters." They  are  most  graphic.  Read  aloud  today  chap.  4.  Put 
yourself  as  really  as  you  can  in  the  prophet's  place. 

On  the  fourth  chapter  answer  the  following  questions:  (1)  What 
is  stated  in  v.  4  as  the  cause  of  evil  to  come?  (2)  What  is  the  char- 
acter of  the  foe  as  described  in  vv.  5,  12,  13?  (3)  Is  weakness  of 
character  indicated  in  the  prophet  by  v.  19?  (4)  What  is  the  saving 
clause  in  vv.  23-28?  (5)  What  modern  poem  do  these  verses 
suggest? 

2.  On  the  fifth  chapter  answer:  (1)  What  do  vv.  7-9  indicate  as 
to  the  condition  of  the  people  and  the  character  of  God?  (2)  What 
is  the  force  of  the  comparison  in  vv.  22,  23?  (3)  Imagine  the  sit- 
uation described  in  vv.  26-31. 

Read  chap  6,  vv.  10-15. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  Jer.  6:16.  Am  I  in  danger  of  ac- 
cepting popular  ways  instead  of  right  ways?  What  place  has  the 
character  of  people  who  are  in  a  way,  in  aiding  me  to  determine 
whether   that  way   is    a   right   one  or  not? 


164       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     23:        JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


7th  Day:  §  117.  The  Substance  of  Jeremiah's  Message  During 
the  Reign  of  Josiah  (Jer.  2:1—6:30;  11  :i — 
12:17) 

"It  is  not  what  we  take  up,  but  what  we  give  up,  that  makes  us 
rich." — H.  W.  Beecher. 

1.  The  chapters  for  today  are  Jer.  11  and  12.  The  reference 
to  the  covenant  in  chap.  11  favors  assigning  this  portion  to  the 
reign  of  Josiah  and  associating  it  with  the  reformation  of  Josiah. 
From  Jer.  1:1  we  learn  that  his  home  was  at  Anathoth,  a  little 
town  about  three  miles  from  Jerusalem.  The  latter  part  of  chap. 
II  will  be  more  interesting  if  we  note  that  the  conspiracy  to  kill 
the  prophet  was  made  in  his  home  town. 

2.  Read  now  without  interruption  chap.  11.  Afterwards  read 
the  prayer  in  12:1-4.  Note  that  the  prophet  though  perplexed  does 
not  doubt  God,  v.  1.  What  was  the  prophet's  difficulty?  To  whom 
did  he  go  with  it?  The  difficulty  was  real  and  great.  The  lan- 
guage of  12:5,  6,  means  what?  It  indicates  that  greater  suffering 
awaits  the  prophet.  Had  Jeremiah  for  the  moment  forgotten  the 
promises  which  God  had  made  when  He  called  him  to  the  work  of 
a  prophet?  Read  Jer.  1  :i9.  Is  there  not  a  clear  indication  that  the 
turning  of  Jeremiah  from  a  child  into  an  iron  pillar  and  brazen 
walls  was  a  process,  and  that  he  was  to  be  made  perfect  through 
suffering?     Read  Jer.  12  7-17. 

Keep  in  mind  in  your  further  study  of  Jeremiah  that  his  natural 
temperament  was  such  that  in  order  to  perform  the  work  required 
of  him,  he  passed  through  the  most  intense  anguish  of  spirit.  Was 
the  wisdom  of  God  manifest  in  this?  Could  a  man  of  different 
temperament  have  done  the  work  to  which  Jeremiah  was  called? 
Would  the  wicked  kings  and  people  have  listened  to  announcements 
of  coming  judgments  from  other  than  tear-filled  eyes? 

Personal  Thought:  When  I  am  in  difficulty  to  whom  do  I  go? 
How  heartily  can  I  preface  every  investigation  of  a  moral  problem 
by  the  words,  "Righteous  art  Thou,  O  Lord"?  In  whom  only  is  a 
satisfactory  answer  to  some  questions  to  be  found? 


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1st    Day:    §  118.    The    Arrest  of   Jeremiah   for   Preaching  in 
the  Temple  Court   (Jer.  26:1-24) 

"Measure  thy  life  by  loss  and  not  by  gain, 
Not  by  the  wine  drunk,  but  by  the  wine  poured  forth; 
For  love's  strength  standeth  in  love's  sacrifice, 
And  he  who  suffers  most  has  most  to  give." 

1.  With  pencil  in  hand  read  Jer.  26:1-24,  taking  care  to  allow 
the  words  to  bring  most  vividly  before  you  the  scene  described. 
Picture  the  prophet  standing  in  the  court  of  the  Lord's  house ;  listen 
to  his  words ;  look  into  the  faces  of  his  auditors ;  read  their  thoughts. 

2.  Go  over  the  material  again  and  note:  (1)  V.  2  indicates  that 
the  prophet  took  advantage  of  some  feast  day  when  many  people 
would  hear  him;  (2)  Vv.  3,  13  indicate  the  condition  on  which  God 
can  forgive.  In  the  instances  where  He  is  represented  as  repenting, 
His  unchangeableness  is  clearly  manifest;  (3)  The  prophets  men- 
tioned in  v.  7  were  false  prophets ;  (4)  Not  all  that  Jeremiah  said 
on  this  occasion  is  here  reported.  Tomorrow  we  shall  study  a  fuller 
report;  (5)  Imagine  the  tumult  occasioned  by  the  question  in  v.  9; 
(6)  Reflect  upon  the  character  of  the  man  who  under  the  circum- 
stances could  utter  the  words  of  vv.  12-15;  (7)  In  connection  with 
vv.  18,  19  read  Micah  3:12;  (8)  The  account  of  Uriah  given  in  vv. 
20-23  is  likely  inserted  here  to  show  in  what  peril  Jeremiah  was 
at  the  time.  Considering  the  character  of  the  opposition  and  of  the 
king  himself,  it  was  little  short  of  a  miracle  that  the  prophet  escaped 
death. 

Reflect  further  on  the  character  of  Jeremiah  as  manifested  in  vv. 
12-15,  recalling  as  you  do  the  prophet's  own  estimate  of  himself  and 
the  figures  given  to  represent  him  when  strengthened  by  God?  Was 
there  not  in  Jeremiah  a  rare  combination  of  gentleness  and  fidelity  ? 

Personal  Thought:     "Speak all  the  words  that  I  command 

thee; keep  not  back  a  word."    How  fully  dominant  is  the  will 

of  God  in  my  silences  as  well  as  in  my  speaking?  What  may  I 
learn  from  Jeremiah  respecting  the  manner  of  speaking  God's 
truth? 


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2d  Day:    §  119.    The  Message  of  Jeremiah  for  which  He  was 
Arrested  (Jer.  7:1 — 10:25) 

"It  is  well  to  think  well ;  it  is  divine  to  act  well." — Horace  Mann. 

1.  The  importance  of  reading  these  chapters  with  the  historical 
siituation  vividly  in  mind  cannot  be  overestimated.  Read  Jer.  7: 
2-4.  Where  was  Jeremiah  when  he  spoke?  What  gesture  would  he 
likely  make  as  he  uttered  the  words  of  v.  4?  What  would  be  his 
tone  of  voice? 

2.  Use  your  own  judgment  in  the  use  of  your  time  today  on 
the  passage  (Jer.  7:1 — 10:25),  taking  care  not  to  feel  that  you 
must  cover  the  entire  section,  and  reserving  two  or  three  minutes 
for  the  quotation  below,  and  the  Personal  Thought.  In  reading  the 
section  the  following  outline  may  be  helpful:  (1)  Rebuke  for 
shameless  idolatry  and  pollution  of  the  very  temple,  7:1 — 8:3;  (2) 
Announcement  of  punishment,  8:4 — 9:22;  (3)  Reasoning  on  the 
folly  of  idolatry  and  exhortation  to  follow  the  only  true  God, 
9:23—10:25. 

"It  is  difficult  to  conceive  any  situation  more  painful  than  that 
of  a  great  man  condemned  to  watch  the  lingering  agony  of  an  ex- 
hausted country,  to  tend  it  during  the  alternate  fits  of  stupefaction 
and  raving  which  precede  its  dissolution,  and  to  see  the  symptoms 
of  vitality  disappear  one  by  one,  till  nothing  is  left  but  coldness, 
darkness  and  corruption." — Lord  Macaulay. 

Personal  Thought:  "This  house,  which  is  called  by  my  name, 
wherein  ye  trust"  (7:14).  How  sure  am  I  that  my  religion  is  not  a 
formal  thing;  a  trusting  in  a  place  or  a  book,  or  a  set  of  relation- 
ships?   In  what  does  true  religion  consist?    Read  9:23,  24. 


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3d  Day:     §  120.    Jeremiah     as     an     Intercessor      (Jer.     14:1 — 
15:21) 

"Remember  you  are  not  a  tree,  that  can  live  or  stand  alone.  You 
are  only  a  branch.  It  is  only  while  you  abide  in  Christ,  as  the 
branch  in  the  vine,  that  you  will  flourish,  or  even  live." — McCheyne. 

1.  The  passage  for  today  is  packed  with  tragic  interest.  It  is 
not  too  long  for  you  to  read  comfortably  in  the  time,  only  take  good 
care  to  enter  as  fully  as  possible  into  the  spirit  of  the  prophet.  In- 
tense suffering  on  the  part  of  the  prophet  is  here  portrayed.  First 
of  all  read  his  prayers  in  chap.  14  7-9,  19-22 ;  his  lament  in  chap. 
15:10,  11,  and  his  prayer  and  God's  answer  in  chap.  15:15-21.  Is 
there  any  indication  that  he  was  tempted  to  give  up?  What  evi- 
dence of  growth  in  Jeremiah's  character  does  this  passage  give? 

2.  Spend  any  further  time  at  your  disposal  in  examining  the  set- 
ting of  the  above  passages  in  Jer.  14  :i — 15  :2i. 

"So  far  as  we  have  data  for  a  judgment,  Jeremiah  was  the  health- 
iest, strongest,  bravest,  grandest  man  of  the  Old  Testament  history. 
There  is  not  a  scrap  of  evidence  that  he  was  otherwise  than  nat- 
urally ardent,  hopeful,  buoyant,  with  a  soul  as  full  of  song  as  a 
bird's,  and  as  receptive  and  radiant  of  light  as  a  diamond.  Every 
reserve  which  we  make  in  estimating  his  temperament  is  a  gratu- 
itous subtraction  from  the  tragic  objective  truth  of  history.  It  is 
only  when  we  admit  what  the  fall  of  Judah  meant  to  one  so  clear- 
eyed,  so  healthful,  so  elastic  as  Jeremiah  that  we  begin  to  see  how 
dreadful  that  fall  really  was." — Ballantine. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  again  thoughtfully  chap.  15  :i9,  20,  as 
an  answer  to  the  questions  in  v.  18,  and  test  your  own  life  by  these 
words  of  truth.  Have  the  words,  "If  thou  take  forth  the  precious 
from  the  vile,  thou  shalt  be  as  my  mouth,"  any  present  application 
to  me? 


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4th  Day:     §  121.    The     Prophet     Remaining    Unmarried     (Jer. 
16:1-3) 

§  122.    Various  Messages  of  Warning   (Jer.   16-14— 
17:27) 

"If  any  work  is  really  God-given,  and  He  puts  it  either  into  our 
hearts  to  devise,  or  into  the  power  of  our  hands  to  do,  no  fear  but 
He  will  also  provide  stuff  sufficient,  whether  metal  or  mental." — 
F.  R.  Haver  gal. 

1.  Read  Jer.,  chap.  16,  answering  the  following  questions:  (1) 
Why  is  the  prophet  forbidden  to  marry?  (2)  Why  is  he  forbidden 
to  enter  the  house  of  mourning?  (3)  Why  is  he  forbidden  to  enter 
the  house  of  feasting?  (4)  What  did  the  people  answer  Jeremiah 
when  he  told  them  these  things?  (5)  What  answer  was  he  directed 
to  give  them?  (6)  Who  were  worse,  the  people  of  Jeremiah's  time 
or  their  fathers?  (7)  What,  in  v.  15,  is  assumed  as  having  taken 
place?  (8)  What  figures  in  v.  16  are  employed  to  represent  the 
enemy?  (9)  What  will  the  nations  learn  from  God's  treatment  of 
Israel?     (10)  What  will  Israel  learn  from  God's  treatment  of  her? 

2.  What  verses  in  chap.  17  resemble  a  part  of  the  first  Psalm? 
Read  vv.  9  and  10  of  chap.  17  together.  Who  knows  the  heart? 
Read  1  John  3:19,  20.  What  do  we  learn  of  the  character  and  mis- 
sion of  Jeremiah  from  17:12-18?  What  is  the  message  about  the 
Sabbath  in  17:19-27?  Why  do  you  think  the  Sabbath  is  here  made 
a  test? 

Personal  Thought:  Thinking  of  Jeremiah  as  revealed  in  to- 
day's chapter,  ask  yourself  the  following  questions :  What  personal 
sacrifices  am  I  making  for  the  sake  of  the  Kingdom  of  God?  To 
what  extent  am  I  willing  to  be  misunderstood  for  Christ's  sake? 


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5th  Day:    §  123.    The  Potter's  House  Visited  and  the  Lesson 
(Jer.  18:1-23) 

§  124.    The   Potter's   Vessel  and  the  Lesson    (Jer. 
19:1-13) 

"I  never  was  happy  until  I  gave  up  trying  to  be  a  great  man  and 
was  willing  to  be  nobody." — Edward  Payson. 

1.  Read  chap.  18,  answering  the  following:  (1)  To  whose  house 
was  the  prophet  directed  to  go?  (2)  What  did  the  potter  do  when 
the  clay  was  marred?  (3)  What  application  of  this  was  made  to 
Israel?  (4)  What  does  God  say  He  will  do  when  a  nation  repents 
of  its  wrong  doing?  (5)  What  does  God  say  He  will  do  when  a 
nation  refuses  to  do  His  will?  (6)  Does  the  passage  indicate  that 
God's  treatment  of  man  is  arbitrary?  (7)  What  stage  in  sin  is  in- 
dicated by  v.  12?  (8)  Who  were  the  leaders  against  Jeremiah? 
(9)  What  was  the  animus  of  the  opposition?  (10)  Is  the  prayer  of 
vv.  19-23  vindictive?  In  judging  of  this  must  we  not  take  into  con- 
sideration the  character  of  Jeremiah?  Should  we  judge  his  charac- 
ter by  the  words,  or  the  words  by  his  character? 

2.  From  chap.  19  answer  the  following:  (1)  What  was  the 
prophet  directed  to  say?  (2)  Whom  was  he  to  take  with  him?  (3) 
Where  was  he  to  go?  (4)  What  was  he  to  do  with  the  bottle? 
(5)  What  application  was  he  to  make  of  this  action? 

Personal  Thought:  The  potter  deals  with  the  clay  according 
to  its  nature.  So  does  God  deal  with  us.  He  takes  into  account 
our  nature,  as  free  and  responsible  agents.  He  does  not  deal  arbi- 
trarily with  us,  although  He  does  deal  sovereignly,  for  in  making 
us  He  hath  made  us  thus  free  and  responsible.  How  am  I  using 
my  freedom?    How  am  I  meeting  my  high  responsibility  to  God? 


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STUDY     24:      JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND      HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


6th  Day:     §  125.    Jeremiah    Smitten   and   Imprisoned   by   Pash- 
hur  the  Priest  (Jer.  19:14) 

§  126.    Wine     Offered     by     the     Prophet     to     the 
Rechabites  (Jer.  35:1-19) 

"No  need  is  greater  in  this  increasingly  noisy  world,  than  the  need 
of  knowing  what  we  want.  This  is  a  matter  genuinely  subject  to 
inspiration,  and  the  last  thing  to  be  taken  for  granted;  yet  nothing 
is  supposed  to  be  so  settled,  so  axiomatic,  as  that  a  man  knows  what 
he   wants." — Trumbull. 

1.  From  chap.  20  answer  the  following  questions:  (1)  Who  was 
Pashhur?  (2)  What  did  he  do  to  Jeremiah?  (3)  Why  this  treat- 
ment? (4)  How  long  did  Jeremiah  remain  in  the  stocks?  (5) 
What  name  did  Jeremiah  give  to  Pashhur?  (6)  Why  this  name? 
(7)  What  country  is  here  specifically  mentioned  as  the  captor  of 
Judah?  (8)  When  the  prophet  would  refrain  from  speaking  God's 
word,  what  occurred?  (9)  Was  the  prophet  utterly  cast  down,  or 
did  his  trials  develop  faith  in  God?  (10)  What  do  the  last  verses 
of  this  chapter  indicate  as  to  the  suffering  of  the  prophet  in  accom- 
plishing his  work? 

2.  From  Jer.  35:1-19  answer  the  following  questions:  (1)  In 
whose  reign  did  this  occur?  (2)  Why  were  the  Rechabites  in  Jeru- 
salem (v.  11)?  (3)  Why  did  the  Rechabites  refuse  to  drink  wine? 
(4)  What  is  emphasized  in  the  contrast  between  "their  father"  and 
"me"  in  v.  16?  (5)  What  was  the  message  of  God  by  Jeremiah  to 
the  Rechabites? 

Personal  Thought:  Dwell  further  on  the  contrast  between  the 
Rechabites  in  their  respect  for  the  single  commandment  of  their 
father,  and  God's  people  in  their  rejection  of  His  oft-repeated  ap- 
peals, as  brought  out  in  chap.  35  :  14-16.  What  characteristic  of  God 
is  here  emphasized?  How  fully  have  I  come  to  appreciate  the  pa' 
tience  of  God? 


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CONTEMPORARIES 


7th  Day:    §  127.    The    Roll    Cut    and    Burned    by    Jehoiakim 
(Jer.  36:1-32) 

§  128.    The    Message   of   Jeremiah   to   Baruch    (Jer. 
45:i-5) 

"Jeremiah  is  the  most  misunderstood  of  all  the  great  men  of  his- 
tory. To  be  one  of  the  healthiest  of  men  and  to  be  thought  morbid, 
to  be  one  of  the  strongest  and  to  be  thought  weak,  to  be  one  of  the 
bravest  and  to  be  thought  faint-hearted,  to  be  a  titan  and  to  be 
thought  a  pygmy,  has  been  his  hard  fortune." — First  sentence  in  "A 
Character  Study,"  by  Dr.  Ballantine,  which  should  be  read  by  all. 

1.  The  time  in  which  the  events  we  now  study  occurred,  was 
a  crisis  time  for  Jeremiah,  and  not  for  Jeremiah  only,  but  for  his 
generation  and  for  the  world.  "Politically  the  fourth  year  of  Jehoia- 
kim, in  which  Nebuchadnezzar  won  his  great  victory  over  Pharaoh- 
necho  at  Carchemish  on  the  Euphrates,  was  the  turning-point  of  the 
age." 

Read  Jer.  36:1-32. 

"This  narrative  throws  important  light  upon  a  prophet's  mode  of 
working.  There  was  a  long  period  of  oral  teaching,  during  which 
he  committed  nothing  to  writing;  and  obviously  it  can  only  have 
been  a  condensed  summary  of  that  teaching  which  was  embodied 
in  the  roll.  Doubtless  it  represented  faithfully  the  sum  and  sub- 
stance of  the  message  which  he  had  been  commissioned  to  deliver; 
but  it  can  scarcely  have  repeated  the  ipsissima  verba  of  discourses 
spread  over  a  period  of  more  than  twenty  years.  It  is  interesting 
to  observe  the  instrumentality  of  the  faithful  disciple  Baruch,  acting 
as  the  prophet's  amanuensis,  as  Tertius  did  for  St.  Paul  (Rom. 
16:22).  And  further,  it  is  to  be  noted  that  the  first  form  of  this 
collection  of  prophecies  was  not  its  final  form.  Much  was  added 
when  it  was  rewritten." — Kirkpatrick. 

2.  Read  Jer.  45:i-5- 

Personal  Thought:  Am  I  like  Baruch  seeking  great  things  for 
myself?  What  is  the  great  thing  which  I  should  first  of  all  seek? 
Matt.  6 :33.    Am  I  really  doing  this  ? 


172       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     25:       JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


1st  Day:    §  129.    Prophecies   Against  Judah   and  the   Nations 
(Jer.  25  n-38,  46  :i— 49  :39) 

"The  day  returns  and  brings  the  petty  round  of  irritating  con- 
cerns and  duties.  Help  us  to  play  the  man,  help  us  to  perform  them 
with  laughter  and  kind  faces ;  let  cheerfulness  abound  with  industry. 
Give  us  to  go  blithely  on  our  business  all  this  day,  bring  us  to  our 
resting  beds  weary  and  content  and  undishonored,  and  grant  us  in 
the  end  the  gift  of  sleep." — Robert  Louis  Stevenson. 

1.  Read  over  the  titles  of  the  twenty-six  chapters  of  the  Ana- 
lytical Outline,  noting  their  distribution  under  the  four  General 
Divisions  of  the  Old  Testament  History  of  Abraham  and  his  Pos- 
terity. 

Read  over  the  titles  of  the  Thirty  Studies  in  Old  Testament 
Characters. 

Read  over  the  titles  of  sections  1 15-140. 

Spend  a  few  minutes  in  reviewing  Diagrams  XXXIX-XLIII. 

2.  From  Jer.  25:1-38  answer  the  following  questions:  (1)  In 
what  year  of  whose  reign  did  the  message  come?  (2)  How  long 
had  Jeremiah  prophesied  and  with  what  results?  (3)  What  king 
of  Babylon  would  take  the  people  captive?  (4)  What  special  title 
is  here  given  to  him?  (5)  How  long  would  the  bondage  continue? 
(6)  How  would  God  treat  Babylon?  (7)  What  reason  is  assigned 
for  such  treatment?  (8)  What  is  the  prophet  directed  to  do  in  con- 
nection with  his  announcement  of  evil  upon  the  nations?  (9)  How 
are  the  nations  assured  that  the  evil  announced  will  come  (vv.  28, 
29)?  (10)  By  what  figure  is  the  Lord  represented  in  the  latter 
part  of  the  chapter? 

Personal  Thought:  "And  the  Lord  hath  sent  unto  you  all  his 
servants  the  prophets,  rising  up  early  and  sending  them."  What 
has  been  my  response  to  the  messages  which  God  has  sent  to  me? 
Is  there  any  message  now  ringing  in  my  ears?    What  answer  shall  I 


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STUDY     25:       JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
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2d  Day:    §  130.    The    Linen    Girdle    and    its    Message     (Jer. 
13:1-27) 

§  131.    The  Kings  and  the  False  Prophets  Arraigned 
(Jer.  22:1—23:40) 

"Only  he  who  lives  a  life  of  his  own  can  help  the  lives  of  other 
men." — Phillips  Brooks. 

1.  Review  Diagrams  I-III. 

Read  Jer.  13:1-27.  The  application  is  sufficiently  plain.  There  is 
a  theory  that  "Euphrates"  should  be  "Phrath,"  which  is  equivalent 
to  Ephrath  or  Bethlehem.  It  is  better,  however,  to  believe  that 
Jeremiah  was  absent  from  Judah  during  a  part  of  the  reign  of 
Jehoiakim,  and  that  the  Euphrates  is  here  referred  to.  Is  the  feeling 
of  the  prophet  indicated  in  v.  17  to  be  understood  as  representing 
God's  reluctance  to  punish?  Is  not  the  "weeping  prophet"  an  in- 
terpreter of  the  divine  compassion  ?  Note  the  real  application  of 
the  words,  "Can  the  Ethiopian  change  his  skin  or  the  leopard  his 
spots?"  by  reading  the  whole  of  v.  23.  What  is  emphasized  at  the 
close  of  the  chapter  as  the  cause  of  Israel's  suffering? 

2.  As  you  examine  Jer.  22:1-30,  consult  Diagrams  XLI,  XLII, 
and  note:  (1)  Four  of  the  five  kings  of  Judah  who  reigned  during 
Jeremiah's  lifetime  are  here  mentioned,  see  vv.  11,  18,  24;  (2)  The 
chapter  may  be  broken  up  as  follows:  vv.  1-9  contain  general  ex- 
hortation mingled  with  threats  and  promises  directed  to  the  king 
of  Judah;  vv.  10-12  refer  to  Jehoahaz ;  vv.  13-19  are  about  Jehoia- 
kim; and  the  remainder  of  the  chapter  refers  to  Jehoiachin  the  son 
of  Jehoiakim. 

Personal  Thought  :  "Then  may  ye  also  do  good  that  are  accus- 
tomed to  do  evil."  Read  the  whole  of  Jer.  13  :23.  Am  I  the  slave 
of  any  evil  habit?  Can  I  deliver  myself?  How  may  I  secure  the 
mastery?     Read  2  Cor.  9:8. 


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STUDY     25:       JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


3d  Day:    §  131.    The   Kings   and   the   False   Prophets  of  the 
Nations  Arraigned  (Jer.  22:1 — 23:40) 

"I  sometimes  think  that  this  is  the  peculiar  sin  of  the  present  age — 
the  attempt  to  make  up  for  lack  of  character  by  outside  service.  It 
can  never  be  done.  It  is  zeal  without  knowledge." — Campbell  Mor- 
gan. 

1.  Read  Jer.  23:1-8.  Who  are  referred  to  by  the  sheep?  Who 
are  referred  to  by  the  shepherds?  What  are  the  names  given  here 
to  the  future  ideal  ruler? 

2.  Read  Jer.  23  :9-i4.  What  is  the  character  of  the  prophets  and 
priests  here  described?  The  remainder  of  chap.  23  treats  of  false 
prophets.  It  will  stand  careful,  thoughtful  reading.  See  quotation 
from  Wilberforce  in  Study  17,  3d  Day,  last  paragraph.  With  v.  17 
read  6:14.  These  false  prophets  never  dreamed  of  giving  a  mes- 
sage such  as  v.  19  contains.  Vv.  33-40  contain  a  most  interesting 
play  upon  the  expression,  "the  burden  of  the  Lord."  This  expres- 
sion of  the  true  prophets  had  been  so  misappropriated  by  the  false 
prophets  that  its  use  was  entirely  forbidden. 

Read  Matt.  7:15-23;  also  1  John  4:1-6. 

"What  is  the  straw  to  the  wheat?  saith  the  Lord.  Is  not  my  word 
like  as  fire?  saith  the  Lord;  and  like  the  hammer  that  breaketh  the 
rock  in  pieces  ?"    Jer.  23  :28,  29. 

Personal  Thought  :  "If  they  had  stood  in  my  council,  then  had 
they  caused  my  people  to  hear  my  words."  Jer.  23  :22.  How  may 
I  discern  who  is  a  true  prophet?  What  is  it  to  stand  in  the  council 
of  God?  What  place  has  the  Bible  in  enabling  one  to  stand  in  the 
council  of  God?  What  place  the  Holy  Spirit?  Am  I  standing  in 
the  council  of  the  Lord? 


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STUDY     25:       JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


4th  Day:    §  132.    The    Vision    of    the    Baskets    of    Figs    (Jer. 
24  :i-io) 

§  133.    The  Symbolic  Yokes  and  Bands  (Jer.  27:1-11) 

"Neither  Moses,  nor  Joshua,  nor  Samuel,  nor  Elijah,  nor  Paul, 
was  ever  subjected  to  a  tithe  of  what  Jeremiah  endured.  As  a  suf- 
ferer he  stands  next  to  our  Lord  Himself.  Why  should  we  attribute 
his  distress  to  morbid  predisposition  to  melancholy?  If  he  shrank 
from  the  stern  task  assigned  him,  Moses  and  Isaiah  had  done  the 
same.  If  he  yielded  to  discouragement  in  defeat,  Joshua  had  done 
the  same.  If  he  longed  for  a  lodge  in  the  wilderness,  the  bold 
Elijah  had  sought  the  same.  If  he  cursed  the  day  of  his  birth,  Job, 
the  great  example  of  patience,  had  done  the  same.  If  he  wept  over 
Jerusalem,  so  did  our  Lord.  That  Jeremiah  preserved  the  sweetness 
of  his  affections,  and  the  loyalty  of  his  piety,  and  the  boldness  of  his 
official  testimony  to  the  end,  argues  rather  a  pre-eminently  ardent, 
high  spirited,  heroic  nature." — Ballantine. 

1.  Read  Jer.  24:1-10.  Consult  Diagram  XLIII,  and  read  v.  1 
again  for  the  historical  situation.  There  was  a  strong  party  which 
believed  that  the  people  already  taken  to  Babylon  would  be  restored, 
and  that  Zedekiah  and  the  remnant  would  not  be  taken  into  captivity. 
What  was  Jeremiah's  belief?  Was  he  truly  patriotic  in  this?  Read 
vv.  6,  7.  What  in  Babylon  was  favorable  for  producing  such  re- 
sults? Was  not  Babylon  the  headquarters  of  idolatry?  Which  is 
worse,  to  be  among  pure  heathen,  or  to  be  among  heathenish  pro- 
fessors of  truth? 

Read  Jer.  27:1-11.  In  whose  reign  did  this  message  come  to 
Jeremiah?  For  answer,  note  marginal  rendering  of  v.  1.  What  was 
the  prophet  directed  to  put  on  his  neck?  To  whom  and  by  whom 
was  he  to  send  the  yokes?  What  messages  were  these  yokes  to 
emphasize?    Who  delivered  a  different  message? 

Personal  Thought:  God  spake  in  prophets  by  divers  portions 
and  in  divers  manners.  God  hath  spoken  in  His  Son.  How  shall  I 
escape  if  I  neglect  the  message?  Do  I  thoroughly  believe  that  God 
has  spoken?  Am  I  heeding  His  message  to  me?  Reflect  on  the 
opening  verses  of  Hebrews,  chaps.  1  and  2. 


i76      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     25:       JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


5th  Day:    §  134    Jeremiah's  Conflict  with  False  Prophets  in 
Judea  (Jer.  27:12 — 28:17) 

"Give  what  thou  commandest  and  command  what  thou  wilt."— 
Augustine. 

1.  Do  not  fail  to  grasp  clearly  the  political  situation  and  the  stand 
which  Jeremiah  took  in  relation  to  it.  We  have  now  reached  the 
reign  of  Zedekiah,  the  last  of  the  kings  of  Judah.  Josiah  his  father 
was  a  probable  vassal  of  Assyria.  At  any  rate  he  met  his  death  in 
an  attempt  to  prevent  a  march  of  the  king  of  Egypt  against  Assyria. 
Josiah's  son  Jehoahaz,  who  succeeded  to  the  throne,  was  taken  cap- 
tive by  Pharaoh  after  a  three  months'  reign.  Jehoiakim  was  a  vassal 
of  Pharaoh,  and  was  made  captive  by  Babylon.  In  the  fourth  year  of 
his  reign  Nebuchadnezzar  won  the  famous  battle  at  Carchemish  and 
thereby  became  master  of  the  West.  Jeremiah  advised  submission  to 
Nebuchadnezzar.  The  false  prophets  sided  with  the  kings  and  ad- 
vised resistance  to  Babylon,  judging  that  by  the  aid  of  Egypt  they 
would  be  able  to  succeed. 

2.  Read  Jer.  27:12-22.  Whom  did  Jeremiah  warn  against  heed- 
ing the  false  prophets?  What  was  the  message  of  the  false  prophets 
about  the  vessels  of  the  house  of  the  Lord?  What  test  does  Jere- 
miah submit  to  the  false  prophets?  In  what  captivity  had  part  of 
the  vessels  already  been  taken? 

3.  Read  Jer.  28:1-17.  This  passage  is  most  instructive  in  its 
picture  of  Jeremiah  dealing  with  a  false  prophet.  Study  the  an- 
swer of  Jeremiah  in  vv.  6-9,  and  in  his  action  as  recorded  in  v.  II. 
What  do  these  indicate  respecting  his  character  and  trust  in  God? 

Personal  Thought:  Reflect  further  on  the  test  of  a  true  mes- 
sage submitted  by  Jeremiah  in  28  7-9  The  old  prophets  are  ap- 
pealed to.  A  true  message  must  agree  with  them.  Then  any  man 
who  cries  "Peace,  peace"  to  a  man  or  a  nation  pursuing  a  wicked 
course  may  be  judged  false.  Am  I  dealing  truly  with  myself?  with 
others? 


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STUDY     25:       JEREMIAH     THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


6th  Day:    §  135.    Jeremiah's  Conflict  with  False  Prophets  in 
Babylon  (Jer.  29:1-32) 

"Circumstances  do  not  change  one;  they  simply  develop  what  is 
in  one." — Selected. 

1.  Get  the  situation  clearly  before  you  before  reading  Jer.,  chap. 
29.  Recall  the  parable  of  the  baskets  of  figs,  chap.  24.  Zedekiah 
and  the  remnant  at  Jerusalem  were  represented  by  the  bad  figs.  The 
good  figs  represented  those  to  whom  Jeremiah  wrote.  Remember 
that  Ezekiel  and  Daniel  were  among  the  captives.  Jeremiah  is  here 
truly  a  prophet  to  the  nations.  He  had  warned  the  kings  round 
about  against  false  prophets,  see  27:3,  9;  he  had  warned  Zedekiah  at 
home;  he  now  by  letter  warns  the  exiles. 

2.  Read  chap.  29  -.1-32.  The  chapter  is  full  of  interest.  There  is 
no  need  of  comment  upon  it. 

Memorize  v.  13.  Attention  might  here  be  called  to  a  number  of 
familiar  and  valuable  verses  found  in  the  book  of  Jeremiah.  Read 
the  following:  1:19;  2:17,  19,  22;  6:14;  8:20;  8:22;  13:23;  17:9; 
23:29;  29:13;  31:34. 

Of  the  foreshadowings  of  Christ  in  the  days  of  Jeremiah,  Dr.  G.  S. 
Goodspeed  writes :  "Jeremiah  himself  in  the  manifold  experience 
and  wonderful  development  of  his  personal  and  public  character  is 
after  all  the  most  striking  foreshadowing.  He  carried  Israel  and 
Jehovah  in  his  own  heart.  The  one  was  broken  and  revived  in  him. 
The  other  revealed  His  love  and  power  through  him.  There  was 
the  nation  in  the  individual.  There  was  the  communion  of  God  and 
man,  the  suffering,  the  redemption,  the  restoration  which  were  ac- 
complished within, — the  prophecy  and  assurance  of  the  sorrow  and 
triumph  of  the  cross." 

Personal  Thought:  "Ye  shall  seek  me,  and  find  me,  when  ye 
shall  search  for  me  with  all  your  heart."  Have  I  found  God  in 
reality?     What  is  it  to  search  for  God  with  all  the  heart? 


178      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     25:    JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


7th  Day:    §  136.    The    Message    About    Babylon    (Jer.    50:1— 
51:64) 

1.  "It  is  sound  opinion,  not  multitudinous  opinion,  that  takes  the 
force  of  law.  Have  faith  in  truth,  never  in  numbers.  The  great 
surge  of  numbers  rolls  up  noisily  and  imposingly,  but  flats  out  on  the 
shore  and  slides  back  into  the  mud  of  oblivion.  But  a  true  opinion 
is  the  ocean  itself,  calm  in  its  rest,  eternal  in  its  power.  The  storms 
and  tumultuous  thunders  of  popular  rage  and  bigoted  wrong  will 
sometimes  pause  in  their  travel  round  this  sphere  and  listen  to  its 
powerful  voice.  And  if  the  night  comes  down  to  veil  it  for  a  time, 
it  is  still  there  beating  on  with  the  same  victorious  pulse  and  waiting 
for  the  day.  A  right  opinion  cannot  die,  for  its  life  is  in  the  moral 
element,  which  is  the  life  of  God.  Have  patience,  and  it  shall  come 
to  pass  in  due  time  that  what  you  rested  in  the  tranquillity  of  reason 
has  been  crowned  with  the  majesty  of  law." — Horace  Bushnell  on 
the  Moral  Tendencies  and  Results  of  Human  History. 

2.  Give  your  time  today  to  reading  such  portions  of  Jer.  50:1 — 
51  -.64  as  you  may  elect.  The  whole  of  the  material  may  be  collected 
in  thought  about  the  two  propositions :  Babylon  shall  be  destroyed ; 
Israel  shall  be  delivered.  Try  to  enter  into  the  spirit  of  the  descrip- 
tion as  you  read.     Read  aloud  if  possible. 

Re-read  the  words  of  Bushnell  above. 

Personal  Thought:  "Then  said  the  Lord  unto  me,  Thou  hast 
well  seen :  for  I  watch  over  my  word  to  perform  it."  How  fully  do 
I  rest  in  the  assurance  that  no  word  of  God  shall  be  void  of  power? 
What  is  the  reason  if  I  have  not  this  assurance? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      179 

STUDY      26:    JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET     AND      HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


1st  Day:  §  137.  "The  Book  of  Consolation,"  Including  the 
Account  of  the  Purchase  of  the  Field  (Jer. 
30:1—32:26) 

"In  the  deepest  darkness  of  that  age  of  declension  which  sealed 
the  fate  of  an  ancient  Israel,  when  the  true  prophet  could  no  longer 
see  any  other  end  to  the  degenerate  nation  than  a  consuming  judg- 
ment, the  voice  of  spiritual  faith  rises  high  above  all  the  limits  of  the 
dispensation  that  was  to  pass  away,  and  sets  forth  the  sum  of  true 
religion  in  words  that  can  never  die." — Robertson  Smith. 

1.  Chapters  30-33  of  Jeremiah  have  been  called  "The  Book  of 
Consolation."  It  is  the  bright  part  of  the  book  of  Jeremiah.  The 
heart  of  these  chapters  is  in  chap.  31  '.31-34,  where  we  read  about  the 
New  Covenant.  Read  the  verses  and  note  three  things:  (1)  The 
law  will  be  written  on  the  heart;  (2)  There  will  be  individual,  per- 
sonal knowledge  of  God;  (3)  There  will  be  forgiveness  of  sin. 

2.  Study  today  the  story  of  the  purchase  of  the  field  and  the 
prayer  which  followed.  Read  Jer.  32:1-25.  Under  what  circum- 
stances did  the  message  here  recorded  come  to  Jeremiah?  Why  had 
he  been  imprisoned?  Who  offered  the  field  for  purchase?  At 
whose  suggestion  did  Jeremiah  purchase  it?  What  care  did  he  exer- 
cise to  have  the  purchase  known  and  secured?  What  did  he  do 
after  the  purchase  (v.  16)?  What  prompted  this  prayer?  What  is 
a  striking  characteristic  of  this  prayer?  Is  there  much  of  petition 
in  it? 

3.  The  answer  of  God  is  found  in  the  remainder  of  the  chapter, 
vv.  26-44.  Vv.  26-35  contain  the  first  part  of  the  answer;  vv.  36-44 
the  second  part.  In  connection  with  the  burning  of  Jerusalem  (v. 
29)  read  Deut.  13:12-16.  After  reading  vv.  28-35,  return  to  vv.  26, 
27,  and  after  re-reading  them  (noticing  as  you  do  the  last  expres- 
sion in  v.  18),  read  vv.  36-44,  where  an  explanation  of  the  purchase 
of  the  field  is  given. 

Personal  Thought:    "Now  after  I  had  delivered  the  deed 

I  prayed."    Do  I  perform  clear  duty  even  if  I  do  not  understand, 
going  to  God  afterward  for  explanation? 


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STUDY      26:    JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET     AND      HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


2d.  Day :  §  137.  "The  Book  of  Consolation,"  Including  the 
Account  of  the  Purchase  of  the  Field  (Jer. 
30:1—33:26) 

"Superficially  regarded,  the  reformation  of  Josiah  seemed  to 
promise  a  future  of  divine  blessing  to  the  land.  But  the  true 
prophet  could  not  be  deceived  by  a  superficial  improvement  that  made 
no  change  in  the  inward  disposition  of  the  people;  and  under  the 
kings  Jehoiakim,  Jehoiachin,  Zedekiah,  he  repeated  with  increasing 
definiteness  his  testimony  to  the  impending  destruction  of  the  whole 
commonwealth.     All  vain  hopes,  especially  excited  and  fed  by  false 

prophets,  he  inexorably  denounced In  opposition  to  all  unholy 

confidence  in  the  outward  form  of  the  theocracy  and  its  means  of 
grace,  Jeremiah  proclaimed  that  man  can  only  attain  salvation 
through  a  complete  change  of  mind,  and  that  only  in  virtue  of  His 
forgiving  mercy,  by  a  complete  remoulding  of  His  relation  to  His 
people,  can  the  Lord  realize  the  true  purpose  that  He  has  always 

had  in  view  for  them Just  in  the  later  saddest  time,  when  the 

judgment,  as  he  knew,  was  going  on  its  way  unhindered,  and  he 
himself  had  to  undergo  the  most  painful  martyrdom,  under  the  reign 
of  Zedekiah,  Jeremiah  was  often  raised  to  the  ideal  height  of  the 
glorious  future,  of  which  formerly  he  was  permitted  to  speak  but 
seldom." — Orelli. 

1.  Read  as  much  of  chaps.  30  and  33  as  your  time  will  permit, 
entering  as  heartily  as  possible  into  the  times  and  the  spirit  of  the 
prophet. 

2.  Read,  note  the  connection  of  and  meditate  upon  the  following 
verses:     Jeremiah  31:3  and  33'3- 

Personal  Thought:  "Call  unto  me,  and  I  will  answer  thee,  and 
will  show  thee  great  things  and  difficult,  which  thou  knowest  not." 

Jer.  33:3.    "I  bow  my  knees  unto  the  Father to  the  end  that 

ye may  know  the  love  of  Christ  which  passeth  knowledge." 

Eph.  3:14-19.  How  fully  do  I  recognize  and  act  upon  the  fact  that 
spiritual  things  are  spiritually,  not  intellectually,  discerned? 


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STUDY      26:     JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET      AND      HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


3d  Day:     §  138.    The  Last  Days  and  the  Capture  of  Jerusa- 
lem  (Jer.  21:1-14—34:1—39:18—52:1-34) 

"Jeremiah  was  a  patriot  whose  duty  it  was  to  discourage  national 
hopes  and  counsel  submission  to  a  foreign  foe.  Though  a  patriot 
he  seemed  to  his  fellow-citizens  a  traitor,  without  faith  in  his  coun- 
try or  sympathy  for  her  defenders." — Ballantine. 

1.  Read  Jer.  21:1,  2.  It  would  seem  that  Zedekiah  hoped  for 
some  miraculous  deliverance  similar  to  that  of  Hezekiah  from  Sen- 
nacherib. Read  verses  3-10  for  Jeremiah's  advice  to  the  king  and 
the  people.  In  connection  with  v.  7,  read  chap.  52:11,  and  Ezek. 
chap.  12:13. 

2.  Before  reading  chap.  34:8-22,  read  chap.  37-5-10.  This  pas- 
sage gives  the  occasion  of  the  re-enslavement  of  the  servants.  Read 
now  chap.  34  :8-22. 

3.  Read  chap.  37:1-21,  and  estimate  the  character  of  Zedekiah. 
What  traits  does  Jeremiah  here  display? 

"Let  us  compare  Jeremiah  with  Samuel.  Samuel  mourned  for 
Saul  as  Jeremiah  did  for  king  Josiah.  But  it  was  Samuel's  privilege 
to  anoint  David,  a  man  after  God's  own  heart,  and  to  lay  the 
foundation  for  a  far  more  splendid  kingdom.  How  slight  the  sor- 
rows of  Samuel,  how  large  his  encouragements,  compared  with  those 
of  Jeremiah !  During  the  twenty-two  years  that  intervened  between 
the  death  of  Josiah  and  the  final  catastrophe,  three  of  his  sons  and 
one  grandson  successively  disgraced  the  throne.  Set  up  and  pulled 
down  by  foreign  conquerors,  each  was  finally  carried  away  to  die  in 
captivity,  except  Jehoiakim,  who  was  murdered  and  cast  forth  with 
the  burial  of  an  ass.  Each  of  these  weaklings  during  his  brief  abuse 
of  power  had  time  enough  to  demonstrate  his  incapacity,  duplicity, 
vanity,  obstinacy,  rapacity  and  impiety.  Through  all  the  slow,  heart- 
breaking steps  of  this  political  decadence  Jeremiah  went  down  with 
his  nation  into  its  grave." — Ballantine. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  and  reflect  on  Jer.  1:17-19  in  the 
light  of  the  situation  described  in  today's  portion.  How  much  iron 
is  there  in  my  blood?  How  great  is  my  patience?  How  long  would 
I  keep  sweet  under  such  trials  as  Jeremiah  had  ? 


182       STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY     26:     JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


4th  Day:    §  138.    The  Last  Days  and  the  Capture  of  Jerusa- 
lem  (Jer.  21:1-14—34:1—39:18—52:1-34) 

"Compare  Jeremiah  with  Elijah,  who  is  thought  to  have  been  the 

boldest  of  the  prophets He  fled To  him  it  was  revealed 

that   circumstances   were   not   so   bad   as    they   seemed What 

Elijah  mistakenly  supposed  to  be  his  own  lot  was  really  the  lot  of 
Jeremiah.  Still  Jeremiah  was  not  permitted  to  flee  away.  Firm  at 
his  post  where  Elijah  had  not  the  courage  to  stand,  Jeremiah  stood 
to  the  bitter  end. 

"Compare  Jeremiah  with  Paul.  Paul  wrote:  'I  have  great  sor- 
row and  unceasing  pain  in  my  heart/  but  this  was  only  a  part  of 
Paul's  experience.  He  had  the  privilege  of  going  far  away  from 
unready  Jerusalem  to  do  a  work  of  magnificent  constructiveness 
among  Gentiles,  where  multitudes  of  converts  became  his  joy  and 
his  crown.  Jeremiah,  through  his  long  ministry,  had  only  the  great 
sorrow  and  unceasing  pain  in  his  heart,  and  nothing  more.  His 
duty  was  to  stay  year  after  year  in  Jerusalem,  rejected,  threatened, 
set  in  stocks,  cast  into  the  miry  dungeon,  repeating  over  and  over 
a  fearful  message  to  unwilling  ears,  with  never  the  joy  of  a  single 
success." — Ballantine. 

1.  Read  Jer.  38:1-39:18.  This  passage  is  full  of  dramatic  in- 
terest. Do  not  fail  to  enter  fully  into  the  scenes  described.  Study 
the  characters  of  Zedekiah,  Ebed-melech,  and  Jeremiah  as  you  pro- 
ceed. 

Personal  Thought:  "Obey,  I  beseech  thee,  the  voice  of  the 
Lord,  in  that  which  I  speak  unto  thee :  so  it  shall  be  well  with  thee, 
and  thy  soul  shall  live."  Jer.  38  :20.  What  must  be  in  the  charac- 
ter of  a  man  to  enable  him  to  address  a  fellow-man  thus?  Note: 
"I  beseech  thee,"  "the  voice  of  the  Lord  in  that  which  I  speak,"  "it 
shall  be."    What  of  these  elements  do  I  possess? 


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STUDY     26:     JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET      AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


5th   Day:    §  139.    Jeremiah   and  the   Remnant  in   Judea    (Jer 
40:1—437) 

"Let  us  contemplate  for  a  little  this  grand  figure  standing  there  in 
the  solitude  of  its  grief  over  the  ruins  of  the  noblest  experiment  of 
ancient  times.  There  he  stands,  comparing  the  divine  ideal  of  a 
visible  kingdom  of  God  on  earth  with  the  reality,  comparing  the 
possibilities  and  hopes  of  the  past  with  the  facts  of  the  present  and 
the  certainties  of  the  future.  In  him  we  see  the  dignity  of  unselfish 
grief.  In  him  we  see  the  manliness  of  tears.  Looking  at  him,  we 
see  that  tjie  broadest,  truest,  strongest,  bravest,  may  for  that  very  rea- 
son be  the  saddest Jeremiah's  mood  was  justified  by  the  facts. 

It  was  necessitated  to  a  healthy,  clear-eyed  nature  by  the  situation. 
For  there  was  no  bright  side  to  those  facts  to  look  upon.  To  have 
felt  otherwise  than  Jeremiah  did  would  have  argued  a  little  or  a 
frivolous  mind,  unable  or  unwilling  to  see  and  feel  the  truth." — 
Ballantine. 

1.  Today  read  the  story  of  the  Remnant  in  Judea  found  in  Jer. 
40:1 — 42:22,  dwelling  longest  on  chap.  42.  Note  there  the  relation 
of  prayer  to  the  communication  of  God's  message  to  the  prophet; 
the  delay  of  ten  days ;  and  the  evidence  in  the  reply  that  Jeremiah 
realized  that  the  request  for  direction  had  not  been  made  in  good 
faith. 

Personal  Thought:    "For  ye  have  dealt  deceitfully  against  your 

own  souls;  for  ye  sent  me  to  pray  unto  the  Lord  your  God 

but  ye  have  not  obeyed  the  voice  of  the  Lord  your  God  in  anything 
for  the  which  He  hath  sent  me  unto  you."  What  is  the  relation 
between  prayer  and  obedience?  What  evidence  have  I  that  I  am 
not  dealing  deceitfully  against  my  own  soul  in  the  matter  of  prayer? 
How  often  do  I  obey  when  the  direction  is  not  according  to  my 
taste  ? 


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STUDY     26:     JEREMIAH      THE     PROPHET     AND     HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


6th  Day:    §  140.    Jeremiah   and  the  Remnant  in   Egypt    (Jer. 
43 :8— 44  :30) 

"Looking  at  Jeremiah  and  pondering  the  lessons  of  his  tears,  we 
begin  to  suspect  that  our  unreadiness  to  understand  him  may  come 
from  the  influence  on  our  mind  of  the  popular  fallacies  which  per- 
vade the  literature  of  the  day.  In  his  presence  the  hollowness  of 
these  fallacies  becomes  more  than  ever  apparent.  Here  are  some  of 
them: 

"First  Fallacy:     That  one  should  always  look  on  the  bright  side.' 
"Second  Fallacy :     That  all  things  are  for  the  best.' 
"Third  Fallacy:     That  truth  is  mighty  and  will  prevail.' 
"Fourth  Fallacy :     That  great  crises  always  produce  great  men.' 
"Fifth  Fallacy:     That  revolutions  never  roll  backward.' 
"Sixth  Fallacy :     That  if  religion  is  rightly  presented,  people  will 

always  welcome  the  preacher.' 
"Seventh   Fallacy:     That  in  politics  we  may   rely  on  the  sober 

second  thought  of  the  people.'  " — Ballantine. 

1.  Read  Jer.  43:1-13.  How  did  the  leaders  explain  away  the 
message  from  God?  To  what  place  in  Egypt  did  they  go?  What 
message  did  God  send  by  Jeremiah  in  Egypt?  Who  was  to  be  the 
conqueror  of  Egypt?  Note  the  irony  of  burning  in  fire  the  house 
of  the  god  of  the  sun,  v.  13. 

2.  Read  chap.  44  and  note:  (1)  The  substance  of  the  prophet's 
message  in  vv.  1-14;  (2)  The  answer  to  the  prophet  in  vv.  15-19; 
(3)  The  reply  of  Jeremiah  in  vv.  20-30. 

"Verily,  all  that  tender  sympathy,  faithful  reproof,  long  delay,  and 
admonitory  forewarnings  could  do  to  reclaim  and  save  guilty  men 
was  faithfully  and  fervently  done  to  save  this  guilty  nation,  but  in 
vain.  The  hour  of  retribution  must  come  at  last.  It  came,  and  its 
vengeance  was  terrible." 

Personal  Thought:  "And  this  is  the  message  which  we  have 
heard  from  him,  and  announce  unto  you,  that  God  is  light,  and  in 

Him  is  no  darkness  at  all God  is  love My  little  children, 

guard  yourselves  from  idols."  1  John  1:5;  4:16;  5:21.  How  sure 
am  I  that  I  am  free  from  idolatry?  What  is  idolatry?  Am  I  put- 
ting anything  in  the  place  which  God  should  occupy  in  my  heart? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS       185 

STUDY      26:     JEREMIAH      THE      PROPHET      AND      HIS 
CONTEMPORARIES 


7th  Day:     Review  and  Estimate  of  the  Character  of  Jeremiah 

Glance  over  Diagrams  XXXIX-XLIII.  Read  over  headings  of 
§§  1 15-140.  As  you  read  over  the  following  headings  dwell  for  a 
minute  on  each,  recalling  what  you  know  of  them:  (1)  Jeremiah 
and  the  Rechabites ;  (2)  The  burning  of  the  roll;  (3)  The  dungeon 
experience;  (4)  The  potter's  house;  (5)  The  potter's  bottle;  (6) 
The  Temple  discourse;  (7)  The  conspirators  at  Anathoth ;  (8)  The 
baskets  of  figs;  (9)  The  linen  girdle;  (10)  The  release  of  the  cap- 
tives; (11)  The  false  prophet  Hananiah;  (12)  The  false  prophets 
in  Babylon;  (13)  The  purchase  of  the  field;  (14)  The  secret  inter- 
view with  Zedekiah;  (15)  The  experience  in  Egypt. 

1.  The  study  of  Jeremiah's  character  is  of  great  interest.  He  has 
been  called  the  prophet  of  "the  bleeding  heart  and  the  iron  will." 
He  combined  the  most  contradictory  traits  of  character.  His  en- 
duement  was  such  that  he  did  not  omit  duty,  but  to  perform  duty 
often  caused  him  keen  anguish  of  heart.  He  was  naturally  diffident, 
yet  was  made  steadfast  in  the  will  of  God.  He  was  timid,  yet  spake 
boldly  in  the  name  of  his  God.  He  possessed  intense  national  feel- 
ing, yet  was  possessed  of  broad  views.  He  was  a  man  of  prayer. 
He  was  jealous  for  and  obedient  to  God.  He  was  often  perplexed 
and  sometimes  despondent,  yet  was  continually  sustained  by  the 
grace  of  God.  This  combination  of  traits  in  Jeremiah  "is  a  strong 
proof  of  the  divine  origin  of  his  mission." 

"He  is  not  a  hero  by  nature,  but  by  grace ;  and  in  his  sometimes 
strange  confessions  we  clearly  read  that  grace  never  expelled  nature. 
His  life  was  at  once  the  most  natural  and  the  most  supernatural  in 
the  Old  Testament.  Let  us  then  be  patient  with  ourselves ;  God  is 
better  than  our  fears,  and  more  generous  than  our  highest  hopes,  if 
in  base  cowardice  we  do  not  shrink  back  from  His  call." — Cheyne. 

2.  Give  your  last  moments  to  a  review  of  Jer.  1  :i-ic». 

Personal  Thought:  Read  Jeremiah  15:18-20.  If  God  has  not 
been  found  by  me  always  what  I  expected,  what  has  probably  been 
the  trouble?  What  meaning  for  me  have  the  expressions,  "If  thou 
return,"  "If  thou  take  forth  the  precious  from  the  vile"? 


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1st  Day:    §  141.    The    Call    and    the    Commission    of   Ezekiel 
(Ezek.  1  :i — 3-27) 

"Christ  was  not  only  the  preacher  of  the  message,  He  was  the 
message." — Robert  E.  Speer. 

A  leading  characteristic  of  Ezekiel  is  given  in  the  last  statement  of 
1  :i,  "I  saw  visions  of  God."  The  first  chapter  contaias  a  descrip- 
tion of  the  vision  connected  with  the  prophet's  call.  Before  you 
read  Ezek.,  chap.  1,  by  noting  the  following  expressions  taken  from 
1  -.22  and  26,  get  clearly  in  mind  the  fact  that  the  sight  which  most 
affected  the  prophet  was  not  the  strange  creatures  and  the  wheels 
within  the  wheels,  but  the  one  who  sat  upon  the  throne,  which  throne 
was  upon  the  firmament,  which  firmament  or  platform  was  above 
the  wheels  and  the  living  creatures.  The  expressions  are :  "Over 
the  head  of  the  living  creatures  there  was  the  likeness  of  a  firma- 
ment," "And  above  the  firmament  that  was  over  their  heads  was  the 

likeness  of  a  throne and  upon  the  likeness  of  the  throne  was  a 

likeness  as  the  appearance  of  a  man  upon  it  above."  In  order  that 
you  may  get  still  more  clearly  before  you  the  picture  as  you  read, 
take  now  a  sheet  of  paper  and  draw  two  horizontal  parallel  lines 
about  one  inch  apart  across  the  middle  of  the  paper.  Below  the 
lines  write,  "Wheels  within  wheels — Living  Creatures."  Between 
the  lines  write,  "Platform."  Above  the  lines  write,  "Throne,"  and 
above  throne  write,  "Man  on  throne."  Around  those  draw  a_  circle. 
This  combination  was  seen  in  a  great  storm-cloud  in  the  North. 
Get  the  whole  scene  vividly  before  you. 

1.  Read  Ezekiel  1:1-28.  Recall  the  description  of  Isaiah's  vision 
when  he  was  called  (Isa.  6:1-2).  Is  Jeremiah  represented  as  having 
witnessed  any  strange  vision  when  he  was  called  (cf.  Jer.,  chap.  1)? 
Read  Rev.  1 :  12-17. 

2.  Returning  to  Ezekiel,  chap.  1,  re-read  vv.  25-28.  Is  it  forcing 
meaning  into  the  vision  to  think  that  the  likeness  to  the  "bow  that 
is  in  the  cloud"  suggested  the  covenanted  mercy  and  faithfulness  of 
God? 

Personal  Thought:  "The  Lord  sat  as  king  at  the  Flood;  Yea, 
the  Lord  sitteth  as  king  forever."  Psalm  29:10.  With  what  feel- 
ings do  I  contemplate  the  sovereign  (not  arbitrary)  power  of  God? 


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ad  Day:    §  141.    The    Call    and    the    Commission    of    Ezekiel 
(Ezek.  1  :i — 3-27) 

"Just  now  there  is  a  great  clamor  and  demand  for  'culture/  but  it 
is  not  so  much  culture  that  is  needed  as  discipline." — W .  G.  T. 
Shedd. 

1.  Glance  over  Isa.  6:1-13,  for  the  call  and  the  commission  of 
Isaiah,  and  over  Jeremiah  1  :i-iq,  for  the  call  and  the  commission  of 
Jeremiah.  Recall  the  prominent  features  of  the  vision  of  Ezekiel 
given  in  chap.  I,  and  read  Ezek.  2:1 — 3:27.  Compare  these  three 
calls  and  the  commissions.  Write  out  points  in  common,  and  dif- 
ferences. Give  some  time  to  this,  as  only  a  quotation  follows  for 
today. 

2.  "Ezekiel's  position  is  unique  in  the  history  of  the  prophets. 
He  was  far  from  Palestine,  in  which  alone  the  prophets  had  hitherto 
appeared.  That  he  should  have  been  so  was  the  hope  of  his  people, 
for  he  thus  became  a  center  round  which  those  could  gather  who 
were  at  last,  under  pressure  of  trouble,  inclined  to  return  to  Jehovah. 
His  words  became  the  seed  of  a  religious  revival,  which,  two  genera- 
tions later,  resulted  in  the  return,  and,  through  that,  to  the  whole 
future  development  of  the  spiritual  kingdom  of  God The  ex- 
iles might  have  thought  with  Jacob,  that,  with  the  sacred  soil  where 
they  had  been  wont  to  have  access  to  the  Creator,  they  had  left  His 
presence  behind.  But  when  the  Divine  Majesty  appeared  to  Ezekiel 
on  the  banks  of  the  Chebar  in  the  land  of  the  heathen,  it  showed 
that,  if  God  had  left  His  local  sanctuary  at  Jerusalem,  He  was  still 
with  His  people,  and  that,  even  without  a  temple,  He  was  as  accessi- 
ble as  when  He  sat  between  the  Cherubim." — Geikie. 

Personal  Thought:  "Son  of  man,  all  my  words  which  I  shall 
speak  unto  thee  receive  in  thine  heart,  and  hear  with  thine  ears." 
What  is  it  to  receive  the  words  of  God  in  the  heart?  Am  I  today 
welcoming  truth  and  doing  God's  will? 


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3d  Day:    §  142.    The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity of  Judah  (Ezek.  4:1 — 24:27) 

"It  is  the  absence  of  love,  not  its  fulness,  that  makes  us  so  impa- 
tient of  the  weaknesses  and  inconsistencies  of  our  Christian  breth- 
ren."— Selected. 

1.  Consult  Diagram  XLV,  and  seek  clearly  to  apprehend  the  fact 
that  half  of  the  book  of  Ezekiel  refers  to  the  events  and  the  experi- 
ences preceding  the  fall  of  Jerusalem.  Glance  at  the  following  pas- 
sages for  the  order  of  arrangement  of  the  book,  which  is,  in  the 
main,  chronological :  1:2 — 8:1 — 20:1 — 24:1 — 26:1  (here  the  chrono- 
logical order  yields  to  the  geographical  order  in  which  the  prophecies 
about  foreign  nations  are  arranged);  29:1 — 31:1 — 32:1 — 32:17 — 
40:1. 

2.  Read  Ezek.  4  n-3.  Of  what  was  this  to  be  a  sign  to  the  house 
of  Israel?  Was  not  this  in  harmony  with  what  Jeremiah  at  the 
same  time  was  declaring  at  Jerusalem?  Who  were  delivering  a  dif- 
ferent message  both  in  Babylon  and  in  Judea?  See  Jer.  29:8-10. 
Read  Ezek.  4  :4-i7.  What  is  the  point  of  this  parable?  Keep  before 
you  constantly  as  you  read  this  and  following  passages  that  the  bur- 
den of  the  prophet's  message  was  as  stated  in  the  section  at  the  head 
of  this  page.  There  may  be  a  difference  of  opinion  as  to  the  literal 
or  figurative  character  of  this  narrative,  but  after  all  to  determine 
this  is  not  the  most  important  thing.  See  that  you  grasp  the  truth 
which  each  story  is  intended  to  convey. 

3.  Read  Ezek.  5:1-4.  Read  now  the  explanation  in  plain  lan- 
guage in  vv.  6-17.  Are  you  keeping  before  you  the  fact  that  these 
prophecies  belong  to  the  latter  days  of  Jeremiah's  work  in  Jeru- 
salem?    Consult  Diagrams  XL-XLIII. 

Personal  Thought:  "Because  thou  hast  defiled  my  sanctuary — 
therefore  will  I  also  diminish  thee."  Ezek.  5:11.  "Your  body  is 
the  temple  of  the  Holy  Spirit." — Paul.  Am  I  keeping  myself  pure? 
What  is  the  penalty  of  not  doing  so?  What  is  the  reward  for  doing 
so?    Answer  in  the  words  of  a  beatitude. 


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4th  Day:    §  142.    The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity OF  JUDAH    (EZEK.    4:1 — 24:27) 

"There  is  nothing  so  powerful  as  example ;  we  put  others  straight, 
by  walking  straight  ourselves." — Selected. 

1.  Note  in  Ezek.,  chap.  6,  verses  '7,  10,  13,  14,  the  expressions, 
"shall  know  that  I  am  the  Lord."  With  this  in  mind,  read  the 
chapter,  in  which  the  prophet  apostrophizes  the  land,  and  declares 
that  evil  can  only  be  effectually  rooted  out  by  depopulation  and  deso- 
lation.    Continuing,  rapidly  read  chap.  7. 

2.  Turn  now  to  Ezek.,  chap.  36,  in  which  again  the  land  is  the 
subject.  This  is  after  the  desolation.  Seek  to  grasp  clearly  the 
balancing  of  the  two  parts  of  the  book  of  Ezekiel.  Note  the  titles 
of  the  two  parts  of  Diagram  XLVI.  The  words  Pre-exilic,  Denun- 
ciation, Desolation,  balance  the  words  Post-exilic,  Consolation, 
Restoration.  Examine  chap.  36  and  note  especially  vv.  25-33,  n°t 
omitting  to  notice  the  prominence  given  in  the  chapter  as  a  whole 
to  the  restoration  of  the  desolate  country  and  cities.  Dwell  for  a 
moment  upon  v.  yj.  What  reason  can  you  think  of  why  there  are 
some  things  which  God  cannot  give  until  they  are  asked  for? 

"It  is  not  a  little  noteworthy  that  it  was  precisely  from  the  date 
of  the  overthrow  of  priestly  rites  and  temple  service,  and  the  substi- 
tution of  spiritual  worship  and  continuous  religious  instruction  that 
religion  revived.     Ezekiel  was  the  true  forerunner  of  Ezra." — Geikie. 

Personal  Thought:  "Before  I  was  afflicted  I  went  astray;  but 
now  I  observe  thy  law."  What  is  often  one  result  of  affliction? 
But  is  one  always  to  infer  that  evil  is  in  the  life  because  affliction  is 
present?  How  should  affliction  be  borne?  "Ye  have  heard  of  the 
patience  of  Job,  and  of  the  end  of  the  Lord." 


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5th  Day:     §  142.    The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity of  Judah   (Ezek  4:1 — 24:27) 

"After  all,  the  kind  of  world  one  carries  about  in  one's  self  is  the 
important  thing ;  and  the  world  outside  takes  all  its  grace,  color,  and 
value  from  that." — James  Russell  Lowell. 

1.  Turning  to  Diagram  XLV,  read  what  is  said  about  chaps.  8-1 1 
just  above  the  Notes. 

2.  Read  chap.  8,  noting  such  key  expressions  as  "yet  other 
greater  abominations,"  "therefore  will  I  also  deal  in  fury."  Note 
v.  12.  Examine  headings  of  paragraphs  of  chap.  9.  Cf.  v.  9  with 
8:12.  Glance  over  chap.  10,  which  is  mainly  a  repetition  of  the 
version  of  chap.  1.  The  one  who  gives  directions  concerning  the 
city  and  prepares  to  take  his  departure  therefrom  is  identified  by  the 
prophet  as  the  same  whom  he  saw  in  vision  on  the  Chebar.  Read 
Chap.  11.     What  here  suggests  a  scene  in  the  life  of  Jeremiah? 

In  the  Studies  on  Jeremiah  several  quotations  from  A  Character 
Study,  by  Dr.  Ballantine,  were  made.  The  same  writer  has  written 
A  Literary  Study  of  the  Prophet  Ezekiel  which  is  very  illuminating. 
From  it  more  than  one  extract  will  appear  in  this  and  the  next  Study. 
Read  the  whole  of  it  if  possible. 

"Ezekiel's  principal  themes  are  five:  (1)  God's  majesty;  (2) 
Israel's  apostasy  and  chastisement;  (3)  The  judgments  to  come  on 
heathen  nations;  (4)  Israel's  restoration;  (5)  The  final  consumma- 
tion of  the  kingdom  of  peace The  prophet  gives  the  world  a 

fresh  conception  of  the  divine  majesty  in  the  sublime  vision  of  the 

Cherubim  Chariot We  take  it  that  the  vision  of  the  Cherubim 

Chariot,  in  spite  of  its  exactitude  of  details,  is  not  to  be  regarded  as 
anything  more  than  a  symbolic  representation  of  God  as  enthroned 
over  all  the  elements  and  powers  and  forces  of  creation,  whether 

animate   or   inanimate In   contrast    with    the   majesty   of    God, 

Ezekiel  had  to  describe  the  apostasy  of  Israel.  This,  as  we  have 
seen,  is  one  of  three  chief  burdens  of  the  Old  Testament.  It  is  part 
of  the  proof  of  the  absolute  need  that  the  world  had  for  Christ. 


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5th  Day:     §  142.     The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity of  Judah  (Ezek.  4:1 — 24:27) 

"The  completion  of  this  demonstration  was  necessary  to  that  'full- 
ness of  time'  in  which  God  should  send  His  Son.  The  Old  Testa- 
ment, in  so  far  as  it  touches  man,  is  a  record  of  utter  failure.  The 
sins  of  Ezekiel's  day  were  violence,  bloodshed,  unchastity,  diso- 
bedience to  parents,  oppression,  Sabbath-breaking,  bribery,  extortion, 
and  in  general  an  extraordinary  hardihood  in  wickedness.  False 
prophets,  profane  priests  and  wolf-like  princes,  all  deceived  and 
preyed  upon  a  populace  which  shared  their  vices.  Idolatry  of  all 
kinds,  copied  from  the  abominations  of  all  the  nations  from  Egypt 
to  Assyria,  a  perfect  syncretism  of  revolting  rites,  culminating  in 
that  last  triumph  of  superstitious  infatuation,  child-sacrifice,  had 
displaced  the  worship  of  Israel's  covenant  God,  Jehovah Eze- 
kiel's view  is  the  opposite  of  that  view  which  sees  in  the  Hebrew 
religion  an  evolution  of  the  religious  genius  of  the  people  themselves. 
He  knows  nothing  of  'the  firmness  and  the  consistency'  of  the  He- 
brew people  in  seeking  perfect  religion.  He  sees  only  the  spon- 
taneous love  of  God  pressing  its  gifts  upon  the  grossness  and  stub- 
bornness of  men.  Light  has  come  and  all  men  love  darkness  rather 
than  light.  'Thus  saith  the  Lord  God,'  he  cries,  '1  do  not  this 
for  your  sake,  O  house  of  Israel,  but  for  mine  holy  name,  which  ye 
have  profaned  among  the  nations  whither   ye  went.'  " — Ballantine. 

1.     Read  Chap.  18. 

Personal  Thought:  "For  they  say,  The  Lord  seeth  us  not;  the 
Lord  hath  forsaken  the  earth."  What  is  the  tendency  of  the  life 
which  ignores  the  presence  of  God?  How  may  I  be  conscious  of  the 
presence  of  God?     What  are  the  advantages  of  such  consciousness? 


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6th  Day :    §  142.    The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity   OF    JUDAH     (EZEK.    4  II — 24:27) 

"Prosperity  is  a  great  teacher ;  adversity  is  a  greater.  Possession 
pampers  the  mind;  privation  trains  and  strengthens  it." — Hazlitt. 

"Israel's  proneness  to  idolatry  is  depicted  by  the  prophet  under  the 
figure  of  a  wife's  infidelity.  This  he  does  in  the  long  16th  chapter  and 
in  the  almost  equally  long  twenty-third  chapter.  In  these  chapters 
the  relentless  realism  of  our  author's  methods  is  most  startling.  The 
subject  is  a  loathsome  one.  The  instinct  of  delicacy  is  to  escape 
from  it  as  speedily  and  euphemistically  as  possible.  But  Ezekiel 
means  not  merely  to  suggest  the  picture,  but  to  make  us  see  it.  We 
feel  that  we  might  be  spared  some  of  the  ranker  words,  some  of  the 
more  revolting  situations,  some  of  the  more  indecent  exposures. 
Must  we  'the  supervisors  grossly  gape  on,'  as  Shakespeare  would 
say,  and  behold  the  very  acts  of  shame?  Yes:  down  through  one 
step  after  another  we  go  like  men  who  must  explore  a  sewer  and 
who,  as  they  proceed,  sink  up  to  their  noses  in  filth.  It  is  dreadful 
to  read;  but  the  result  is  such  an  expression  of  the  odiousness  of 
apostasy  from  God  as  is  without  a  parallel  in  literature. — Ballantine. 

1.  Read  Chap.  16.  After  reading  think  by  which  you  are  the 
more  impressed,  the  awfulness  of  the  apostasy  of  man,  or  the  great- 
ness of  the  love  of  God  in  forgiveness  of  sin. 

Personal  Thought  :  "Who  is  a  God  like  unto  thee,  that  pardon- 
eth  iniquity?"  How  heartily  can  I  utter  those  words?  Do  I  prove 
by  loving  much  that  I  have  been  forgiven  much? 


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7th  Day :     §  142.     The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity  of  Judah    (Ezek.    4:1 — 24:27) 

"It  was  reserved  for  Christianity  to  present  to  the  world  an  ideal 

character It  may  be  truly  said  that  the  record  of  those  three 

years  of  active  life  has  done  more  to  regenerate  and  soften  mankind 
than  all  the  disquisitions  of  philosophers  and  all  the  exhortations  of 
moralists." — Lecky  in  his  History  of  Morals. 

1.  Re-read  the  quotation   found   in  the   6th  Day  of  this   Study. 
Read  now  Ezekiel,  Chap.  23. 

2.  Read  further  the  words  of  Dr.  Ballantine :  "The  burden  of 
the  Old  Testament  is  to  exhibit,  first,  the  only  living  and  true  God 
as  the  Creator  and  Governor  of  the  world,  in  His  holiness,  justice 
and  spontaneous  love,  unwearily  occupied  with  some  effort  of  grace ; 
and  secondly,  men  in  general,  and  the  Jews  in  particular,  as  inex- 
cusably wicked,  swinishly  treading  under  foot  the  pearls  of  privi- 
lege which  heaven  again  and  again  offers.  The  Old  Testament 
closes  with  this  vivid  impression  of  a  God  infinitely  glorious  and 
gracious,  but  who  has  up  to  that  point  failed  to  try  any  remedy 
powerful  enough  for  the  inveterate  backsliding  of  men.  The  serv- 
ants sent  to  the  vineyard  all  fail.  Some  are  beaten,  some  are 
stoned.  It  remains  only  for  God  to  send  His  Son.  The  strongest 
proofs  of  the  inspiration  of  the  Old  Testament  are  the  perfection 
of  the  divine  character  portrayed  and  the  profound  view  of  human 
wickedness,  both  leading  up  to  the  expectation  of  One  whom  the 
love  of  God  shall  send  to  save  His  people  from  their  sins.  Was 
there  ever  a  book  so  grand,  so  sad,  so  hopeful,  as  the  Hebrew 
Scriptures?" 

Personal  Thought  :  Read  and  reflect  upon  Ezekiel,  Chap.  20  -44. 


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1st  Day:    §  142.    The  Certainty  and  the  Necessity  of  the  Cap- 
tivity of  Judah  (Ezek.  4:1 — 24:27) 

§  147.     Some  Psalms   Reflecting  Experiences  of  the 
Exile  (Psalms  44,  74,  79,  80,  102,  137) 

"Search  thine  own  heart ;  what  paineth  thee 
In  others,  in  thyself  may  be ; 
All  dust  is  frail,  all  flesh  is  weak; 
Be  thou  the  true  man  thou  dost  seek !" — Whittier. 

1.  The  Jews  to  whom  Ezekiel  was  sent  had  the  idea  that  they 
were  suffering  exclusively  on  account  of  the  sins  of  their  forefathers. 
This  is  refuted  in  Ezek.  18,  the  central  thought  of  which  is,  "the 
soul  that  sinneth  it  shall  die."  One  of  the  chief  messages  of  Ezekiel 
was  this  doctrine  of  individual  responsibility.  Read  Chap.  33. 
Compare  vv.  13-20  with  the  message  to  Jeremiah  at  the  potter's 
house  (Jer.  18:1-12).  Read  Ezek.  33-21-33  with  care.  Key  verses 
are  21,  24,  29,  33.  You  will  be  much  interested  in  vv.  30-32  as  de- 
scriptive of  the  effect  of  the  prophet's  preaching.  The  downfall  of 
Jerusalem  would  be  evidence  that  he  spake  truly.  Read  again  v.  24. 
Nothing  short  of  the  actual  destruction  of  their  sacred  city  would 
convince  the  Jews  that  it  could  fall,  so  literally  did  they  interpret 
the  promises  of  God.     Read  again  vv.  13-20. 

2.  What  estimate  of  Ezekiel  as  a  man  do  you  feel  justified  in 
making  at  this  time? 

Personal  Thought:  "Lo,  thou  art  unto  them  as  a  very  lovely 
song  of  one  that  hath  a  pleasant  voice,  and  can  play  well  on  an  in- 
strument: for  they  hear  thy  words,  but  they  do  them  not."  Do  I 
take  heed  how  the  preacher  speaks,  or  do  I  take  heed  how  I  hear? 


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2d  Day:    §  142.    Judgments  on  the  Nations  (Ezek.  4:1 — 24:27) 

§  147.    Some   Psalms    Reflecting   Experiences  of  the 
Exile   (Psalms  44,  74,   79,  80,   102,   137) 

"There  is  but  one  test  of  a  good  life :  that  the  man  shall  continue 
to  grow  more  exacting  about  his  own  behavior." — Robert  Louis 
Stevenson. 

1.  The  capture  of  Jerusalem  by  Nebuchadnezzar  was  but  a  part 
of  a  great  Western  campaign  which  resulted  in  the  submission  to 
Babylon  of  the  various  nations  round  about  Palestine,  even  of  Egypt 
itself.  You  will  recall  what  Jeremiah,  who  had  been  compelled  to 
go  to  Egypt  with  the  remnant  which  feared  Nebuchadnezzar,  said 
as  he  placed  stones  in  the  brickwork  at  Tahpanhes.  (See  Jer. 
43:9-12;  Cf.  44:29,  30.) 

2.  Glance  at  Diagram  XLV,  noting  the  portion  of  the  book  of 
Ezekiel  composed  of  prophecies  against  foreign  nations.  The 
lamentation  for  Tyre  (Ezek.,  chap.  27),  is  of  peculiar  archaeological 
and  historical  value,  and  is  highly  poetic  in  conception. 

3.  Give  today's  time  to  the  prophecies  about  Egypt.  You  should 
recall  the  fact  that  the  latter  kings  of  Judah  looked  to  Egypt  for  aid 
and  were  encouraged  to  do  so  by  the  false  prophets.  Read  Ezek. 
29:1-9,  where  Egypt  is  represented  as  a  crocodile.  Read  enough 
of  Ezek.,  Chap.  31,  to  get  the  force  of  the  comparison  with  Assyria. 
If  you  have  not  time  for  the  whole  of  chap.  32,  read  from  the  17th 
verse  to  the  end.  "Nothing  that  Dante  ever  wrote  surpasses  the 
dreary  ghastliness  of  this  appalling  scene  under  the  murky  skies  of 

Sheol 'Dull  and  heavy'  we  would  not  call  this  dirge,  but  grim 

as  the  clank  of  chains  and  dreadful  as  the  knell  of  doom." 

Personal  Thought  : 

"The  wicked  shall  return  to  Sheol, 
Even  all  the  nations  that  forget  God." — Psalm  9:17. 
What  is  my  duty  to  the  state? 


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3d  Day:     §  144.    Visions   of   Restoration   of  Land,   People  and 
True  Worship   (Ezek.  34:1 — 48:35) 

§  147.     Some   Psalms    Reflecting   Experiences   of  the 
Exile   (Psalms  44,  74,  79,  80,   102,   137) 

"The  Christian  is  an  unique  phenomenon.  You  cannot  account 
for  him ;  and,  if  you  could,  he  would  not  be  a  Christian." — Selected. 

1.  There  are  three  portions  of  Scripture  which  should  be  always 
associated  together.  They  are  the  twenty-third  Psalm,  the  tenth 
chapter  of  the  Gospel  by  John  and  the  thirty-fourth  chapter  of 
Ezekiel.  Repeat  aloud  Psalm  23  if  you  are  able.  Read  John  10: 
1-18.  Give  the  remainder  of  today's  time  to  Ezekiel  34 ,  which  you 
will  much  enjoy. 

"As  might  be  expected  from  a  calling  so  important  and  familiar 
to  the  Israelites,  many  comparisons  and  lessons  are-  drawn  from 
pastoral  life.  The  constant  presence  of  the  shepherd  among  his 
sheep  and  his  protection  of  them  were  arresting  features  that  were 
easily  transferred  to  higher  relationships.  Psalm  23  remains  the 
simplest  and  profoundest  expression  of  trust  in  God.  The  depend- 
ence of  the  sheep  upon  the  shepherd  is  not  a  figure  for  the  begin- 
ning of  the  spiritual  life  merely — to  be  left  behind  when  we  know 
as  we  have  been  known;  the  redeemed  and  glorified  are  still  being 
led  to  the  living  fountains  of  water  (Rev.  7:17)." — Mackie  in  Bible 
Manners  and  Customs. 

Personal  Thought  :  "And  other  sheep  I  have,  which  are  not  of 
this  fold:  them  also  I  must  bring."  What  measure  of  my  Lord's 
yearning  have  I  for  the  lost?     Read  and  reflect  on  Ezekiel  34  :i8,  19. 


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4th  Day:    §  144.    Visions  of   Restoration   of  Land,   People  and 
True  Worship      (Ezek.  34  11—48  135) 

§  147.     Some  Psalms   Reflecting  Experiences  of  the 
Exile   (Psalms  44,  74,  79,  80,  102,  137) 

"Let  us  be  content,  in  work 

To  do  the  thing  we  can,  and  not  presume 

To  fret  because  it's  little." — Elizabeth  Barrett  Browning. 

1.  Read  Psalm  80. 

2.  This  is  the  last  day  that  we  may  give  to  Ezekiel,  although 
much  remains  of  great  interest. 

"We   said  that   Ezekiel   was  the  prophet  of  Israel's   renaissance. 

This  appears  in  the  famous  vision  of  the  Valley  of  Dry  Bones 

Isaiah  has  a  thought  like  Ezekiel :  but  it  is  far  from  the  realism  of 
Ezekiel,  who  does  not  ask  our  imagination  to  supply  what  he  sug- 
gests, but  simply  to  see  what  he  supplies.  Yet  mark  the  artistic 
repose,  the  surpassing  sublimity  of  the  total  effect.  It  is  like  the 
cathedral  of  Milan.  Each  stone  is  a  separate  work  of  art  and  yet 
the  whole  is  a  unit." — Ballantine. 

2.  Read  Ezekiel,  chap.  37:1-28,  making  such  notes  as  you  think 
best.  Chaps.  40 — 48  describe  under  the  "precise  forms  of  geogra- 
phical surveys,  architectural  specifications  and  ritualistic  rubrics," 
the  glories  of  the  golden  age.  Read  the  first  twelve  verses  of  chap. 
47  and  then  read  Rev.  32:1-5.  The  key  expression  of  all  these 
chapters  is  the  last  one  of  the  entire  book — Jehovah-shammah — The 
Lord  is  there. 

Personal  Thought:  "Behold,  the  tabernacle  of  God  is  with 
men,  and  He  shall  dwell  with  them,  and  they  shall  be  His  people, 
and  God  Himself  shall  be  with  them,  and  be  their  God."  Rev. 
21 :3.  How  constant  is  my  sense  of  the  presence  of  God  and  what 
is  the  effect  of  recognizing  God's  presence?    Am  I  grateful  for  it? 


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5th  Day:     §  145.    The  Story  of  Daniel  and  His  Friends   (Dan. 
1:1—6:28) 

§  147.    Some  Psalms   Reflecting  Experiences  of  the 
Exile   (Psalms  44,  74,  79,  80,  102,  137) 

"Circumstances  are  beyond  the  control  of  man,  but  his  conduct  is 
in  his  own  power." — Disraeli 

1.  Read  the  first  chapter  of  Daniel  chiefly  for  the  instruction  which 
it  gives  about  the  method  of  carrying  out  a  purpose  of  the  heart. 
Note  the  words  in  v.  8,  "Daniel  purposed — therefore  he  requested." 

2.  Read  the  second  chapter  of  Daniel,  which  is  rich  in  revelation 
of  the  character  of  the  man.  The  verses  which  will  yield  most  are 
vv.  14-23,  27-30.     Write  down  traits  which  you  recognize. 

The  dream  is  found  in  vv.  31-35,  and  the  interpretation  in  vv. 
36-45.  In  v.  44  the  Messianic  Kingdom  is  announced.  Following 
are  some  of  its  declared  characteristics:  (1)  It  was  to  be  of  super- 
human origin;  (2)  It  was  to  be  of  small  beginning;  (3)  It  was  to 
progress  gradually;  (4)  It  would  become  universal;  (5)  It  would 
endure  forever. 

3.  In  the  third  chapter  of  Daniel,  vv.  17,  18,  are  the  keys  for  the 
study  of  the  character  of  the  three  friends  of  Daniel.  This  account 
is  doubted  by  some  on  the  ground  that  there  was  not  occasion  suffi- 
cient for  such  supernatural  displays.  Great  caution  should  be  ex- 
ercised in  thus  judging.  One  is  inclined  to  ask  what  causes  entered 
into  the  permanent  cure  of  the  Jews  of  idolatry  during  this  sojourn 
in  Babylon,  and  whether  thus  to  cure  the  nation  to  which  were  en- 
trusted the  oracles  of  God  did  not  afford  sufficient  occasion  for 
exceptional  manifestations  from  heaven. 

Spend  a  moment  on  Diagram  XLVI. 

Personal  Thought:    "But   if   not we   will   not   serve   thy 

gods."  How  frequently  do  I  manifest  the  spirit  here  shown?  Is 
the  infrequency  due  to  absence  of  occasion  or  to  my  weakness? 
Has  God  ever  failed  me  when  thus  trusted? 


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6th  Day:    §  145.    The  Story  of  Daniel  and  His  Friends   (Dan. 
1:1—6:28) 

1.    "I  have  a  life  with  Christ  to  live, 
And,  ere  I  live  it,  must  I  wait 
Till  learning  can  clear  answer  give 
Of  this  and  that  book's  date? 

"I  have  a  life  in  Christ  to  live; 
I  have  a  death  in  Christ  to  die; 
And  must  I  wait  till  science  give 
All  doubts  a  full  reply? 

"Nay;  rather,  while  the  sea  of  doubt 

Is  raging  wildly  round  about, 

Questioning  of  life  and  death  and  sin, 

Let  me  but  creep  within 

Thy  fold,  O  Christ,  and  at  Thy  feet 

Take  but  the  lowest  seat; 

And  hear  Thine  awful  voice  repeat, 

In  gentlest  accents  heavenly  sweet, 

'Come  unto  me  and  rest ; 

Believe  me  and  be  blest'." — S  hair  p. 

2.  Read  either  one  of  chaps.  4,  5,  or  6  of  Daniel  today.  Do  not 
miss  the  conception  of  God  given  in  chap.  4  :26,  32-37 ;  nor  the  key 
expressions,  "though  thou  knewest  all  this,"  and,  "God  hast  thou 
not  glorified"  in  chap.  5  :22,  23.  Note  also  "as  he  did  aforetime," 
and,  "thy  God  whom  thou  servest  continually"  in  chap.  6:10,  16. 

Personal  Thought:  "Our  God  whom  we  serve  is  able  to  de- 
liver"  "Thy  God  whom  thou  servest  continually  he  will  de- 
liver thee" "The  living  God  hath  delivered   Daniel   from   the 

power  of  the  lions."  What  is  the  relation  between  continuousness 
of  service  of  God  and  the  presence  of  evidence  of  His  existence 
and  power  in  the  life?    Do  I  serve  God  continually? 


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7th  Day:    §  146.    The  Visions  of  Daniel  (Dan.  7:1—12:13) 

§  147.    Some  Psalms   Reflecting  Experiences  of  the 
Exile  (Psalms  44,  74,  79,  80,  102,  137) 

"Have  thy  tools  ready;  God  will  find  thee  work." — Selected. 

1.  Compelled  as  we  are  to  select  material  for  one  day  from  the 
whole  of  the  second  half  of  the  book  of  Daniel,  we  shall  choose  the 
ninth  chapter.  Read  this  chapter  and  record  five  striking  things  about 
it.  You  should  give  some  thought  today  to  the  place  of  prayer  in 
Daniel's  life.  It  is  worth  while  to  observe  that  the  knowledge 
which  he  derived  from  books  concerning  the  time  of  the  end  of  the 
captivity,  did  not  interfere  with  his  praying  for  deliverance.  It 
was  rather  an  incentive  to  prayer. 

"From  the  first  Daniel  stands  firm  to  what  he  felt  was  right  for 
him;  and  in  that  power  to  stand  firm,  and  keep  to  the  position  he 
took  up,  may  be  found  his  marked  individuality.  No  one  could 
ever  turn  him.  He  could  be  gentle,  patient,  unobtrusive,  but  what 
he  made  up  his  mind  was  right  for  him  to  do  he  just  kept  on  doing, 

overcoming  all  hindrances  by  his  quiet  persistency Men  say  it 

was  wonderful  that  Daniel  braved  the  lions'  den ;  they  do  not  see 
how  much  more  wonderful  it  was  that  he  stood  fast  amid  daily  asso- 
ciations for  long  years,  kept  his  integrity,  sustained  his  ministry, 
braved  his  difficulties,  held  fast  to  the  right,  became  known  as  ready 
to  serve,  but  as  uncorruptible,  until  at  last  'no  fault  could  be  found 

in  him' It  is  usual  to  make  out  that  Daniel  was  a  singularly 

gifted  man.  The  record  does  not  say  so.  The  whole  force  is  given 
to  producing  the  impression  of  sterling  character,  firm,  decided,  con- 
stant, enduring.  Daniel  did  not  reach  his  position  by  any  sudden 
spring.  It  is  easy  to  miss  seeing  that  years  intervened  between  the 
incidents  narrated  concerning  him,  and  that  during  those  years  he 
was  building  up  the  confidence  which  alone  made  his  elevation  pos- 
sible and  acceptable." — Tuck. 

2.  Read  Psalm  137. 

Personal  Thought:  What  is  the  best  lesson  for  me  from  the 
life  of  Daniel?  How  much  do  I  need  to  be  on  guard  against  com- 
promising in  order  to  succeed? 


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1st  Day:    §  148.    The  Edict  and  the  Aid  of  Cyrus  (Ezra  i  :i-ii  ; 
2  Chron.  36:22,  23) 

§  149.    The  Returning  Clans      (Ezra  2:1-70) 

§  150.  The  Building  of  the  Temple  Undertaken  and 
Delayed   (Ezra  3:1-5:1) 

§  169.  Some  Psalms  of  the  Restoration  Period 
(Psalms  85,  97,  105,  106,  118,  119,  126,  135, 
136,  146—150) 

"It  appears  to  be  a  fundamental  principle  of  the  divine  adminis- 
tration never  to  do  in  an  extraordinary  way  that  which  can  be 
equally  well  accomplished  in  an  ordinary  way." — Selected. 

1.  Spend  not  more  than  five  minutes  on  Diagram  XLVII.  Read 
Ezra,  chap.  1:1-2;  also  chaps.  2  164 — 3:13.  Re-read  chap.  2  -.64,  65  to 
be  sure  you  have  a  definite  idea  of  the  number  returning.  Do  not 
miss  the  prominence  given  in  this  account  to  the  agency  of  God  in 
bringing  to  pass  a  very  unlikely  event. 

2.  Various  psalms  have  been  suggested  as  having  been  used  on 
the  occasion  of  the  laying  of  the  foundation  of  the  temple.  Among 
these  are  87,  106,  107,  118  and  136.  Note  the  refrain  in 
Psalms  118  and  136,  and  read  Ezra,  chap.  3:10,  II.  Read  Psalm 
118  and  judge  how  appropriate  its  sentiments  would  be  for  the 
occasion  referred  to  above.  Of  this  psalm  Luther  wrote:  "I  have 
taken  in  hand  my  precious  psalm,  the  Coniitcmini,  and  put  on  paper 
my  meditations  upon  it.  For  it  is  my  own  psalm;  which  I  delight 
in.  For  although  the  whole  Psalter  and  the  Holy  Scripture  is  dear 
to  me,  my  proper  comfort  and  life,  I  have  taken  so  to  this  psalm  in 
particular  that  I  must  call  it  my  own.  Many  a  service  has  it  done 
me;  out  of  many  great  perils  has  it  helped  me." 

Personal  Thought:  Read  Psalm  118:6;  also  Heb.  13  :5,  6,  in 
the  Greek  if  possible,  in  order  to  get  the  force  of  the  negatives.  I( 
is  equal  to,  "I  will  not  in  any  wise  forsake  thee,  nor  will  I  at  all 
ever  under  any  circumstances  leave  thee  in  the  lurch."  How  fully 
do  I  know  the  trust  expressed  in  Psalm  118?  Does  my  heart  fully 
respond  to  God's  promises  and  say,  I  will  not  fear? 


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2d  Day:     §  150.    The  Building  of  the  Temple  Undertaken  and 
Delayed    (Ezra  3:1 — 5:1) 

§  151.    The  Message  of  Haggai   (Haggai  1:1—3:23) 

§  169.     Some     Psalms     of     the     Restoration     Period 
(Psalms  85,  97,  105,  106,  118,  119,  126,  135, 
136,   146—150 

"You  can  never  escape  a  duty  by  not  acknowledging  it." — Dr. 
Alex.  Mackenzie. 

1.  Read  Ezra,  chap.  4  n-24.  The  delay  lasted  about  fifteen  years. 
Read  also  Ezra,  chap.  5  :i. 

2.  Examine  the  prophecy  of  Haggai,  following  the  outline  sug- 
gested below : 

"No  prophet  ever  appeared  at  a  more  critical  juncture  in  the 
history  of  the  Jewish  people,  and,  it  may  be  added,  no  prophet  was 
more  immediately  successful.  The  prophecies  of  Haggai  are  dated 
with  unusual  precision,  and  are  therefore  very  easily  distinguished 
from  one  another.    There  are  four  distinct  utterances : 

(1)  In  the  first  (chap.  1:1-11),  Haggai  reproaches  the  people 
for  their  neglect  of  the  rebuilding  of  the  temple.  The  good  result 
of  this  appeal  is  narrated  in  vv.  12-15. 

(2)  In  the  second  (chap.  2:1-9),  delivered  about  a  month  after 
the  work  had  been  resumed,  he  counteracts  the  disparaging  observa- 
tions the  old  men  had  been  making  on  the  rising  temple. 

(3)  In  the  third  (chap.  2:10-19),  delivered  exactly  three  months 
after  the  building  had  been  resumed,  he  explains  to  the  people  why 
their  past  prayers  had  been  unanswered,  and  promises  them  abun- 
dant crops  if  they  go  on  vigorously  with  the  temple. 

(4)  In  the  fourth  (chap.  2:20-23),  delivered  on  the  same  day 
as  the  third,  ample  assurances  of  support  and  protection  are  given 
to  Zerubbabel." — Dods. 

Personal  Thought:  "Is  it  a  time  for  you  yourselves  to  dwell 
in  your  ceiled  houses,  while  this  house  lieth  waste?"  Consider 
whether  there  is  an  application  of  these  words  to  the  present.  Is 
there  an  application  of  them  to  my  own  present?  Shall  I  heed  the 
message? 


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3d  Day:    §  152.    The     Message     or     Zechariah     (Zech.     1:1 — 
14:21) 

"Every  noble  life  leaves  the  fibre  of  it  interwoven  forever  in  the 
work  of  the  world ;  by  so  much  evermore  the  strength  of  the  human 
race  has  gained." — Ruskin. 

1.  Read  Ezra,  chap.  5:1  and  chap.  6:14,  and  consult  Diagram 
XLVII. 

Read  Zechariah,  chap.  1:1-6,  the  substance  of  which  is:  O  Israel, 
do  not  do  like  as  your  fathers.  See  what  God  did  to  them  for  their 
sins.  Be  wise.  Cf.  Zech.  1:1  and  Hag.  1:1;  2:1,  10,  for  the  time 
of  the  prophecy.  Haggai's  words  are  dated  September,  October 
and  December;  Zechariah's  in  November  and  February.  See  1:7. 
The  year  was  520  B.  C. 

2.  In  Zech.,  chaps.  1 :~ — 6 :8,  are  eight  visions.  They  contain 
messages  of  comfort  and  encouragement  to  Israel.    We  have : 

1.     The  Horsemen  among  the  Myrtle  trees,  1 17-17. 


The  Horns  and  the  Smiths,  1  :i8-2i. 

The  Surveyor,  2:1-13. 

Joshua  and  Satan,  3:1-10. 

The  Golden  Candlestick,  4:1-14. 

The  Flying  Roll,  5:1-4. 

The  Woman  in  the  Ephah,  5:5-11. 

The  Four  Chariots,  6:1-8. 


Read  the  accounts  with  explanations  of  the  first  two  visions  with 
the  historical  situation  clearly  before  you.  Remembering  the  ob- 
ject of  the  prophet,  you  will  easily  get  the  meaning. 

Think  of  illustrations  from  Scripture  of  the  assertion,  "He  that 
toucheth  you  toucheth  the  apple  of  his  eye." 

Personal  Thought  :  "I  will  be  a  wall  of  fire  round  about,  and  I 
will  be  the  glory  in  the  midst  of  her."  "He  that  toucheth  you  touch- 
eth the  apple  of  his  eye."  How  fully  have  I  entered  into  the  secret 
of  the  love  of  God  for  me?  Does  it  relieve  me  of  worry  and  care? 
Do  I  rejoice  in  my  God? 


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4th  Day:     §  152.    The    Message    of     Zechariah     (Zech.     1:1— 

14:21) 

§  153.    The  Temple  Completed   (Ezra  5:2 — 6:22) 

"A  telegraph  wire  was  long  supposed  to  be  essential  to  the  trans- 
mission of  a  telegraphic  message.  Yet,  even  then,  the  vital  truth 
was  recognized  as  in  the  message,  and  not  in  the  wire.  A  wise 
man  knew  enough  to  study  the  message  that  came  over  the  wire, 
instead  of  studying  the  wire  that  brought  the  message.  Nowadays 
a  wire  is  not  even  deemed  essential  to  the  carrying  of  a  message. 
Many  a  message  comes  without  the  aid  of  a  wire,  and  it  is  just  as 
true  and  just  as  important  as  when  a  wire  was  considered  all-im- 
portant to  its  transmission.  Is  there  not  a  lesson  here  for  those 
who  are  seeking  to  get  God's  message  through  His  revelation? 
While  critics  of  one  sort  are  spending  their  strength  in  dissecting 
the  wire  over  which  the  message  came,  a  mind  that  is  intent  on  the 
message  can  get  it  over  a  wire  that  has  been  broken  and  knotted 
again,  or  even,  in  some  cases,  without  the  wire — single  or  spliced." 
— Selected. 

1.  We  may  not  tarry  longer  on  Zechariah  than  to  read  and  note 
the  wonderful  message  of  the  vision  of  the  Golden  Candlestick, 
Zech.  4:1-14,  the  core  of  which  is  in  vv.  6-9.  In  the  latter  part  of 
the  chapter  there  is  a  strange  combination,  concerning  which  one 
has  said :  "We  have  the  trees  growing,  and  the  oil  flowing,  and  the 
lamps  glowing."  The  continuousness  and  the  abundance  of  the 
supply  of  divine  grace  is  surely  here  set  forth. 

2.  Read  Ezra,  chap.  5  :i-5,  and  think  of  the  difficulties  with 
which  Zerubbabel  had  to  contend ;  also  of  his  helpers. 

Personal  Thought:  "Not  by  might,  nor  by  power,  but  by  my 
spirit,  saith  the  Lord  of  Hosts."  What  is  my  present  difficulty? 
How  am  I  trying  to  remove  it?    Am  I   applying  the  power  here 

provided?    "Whosoever  shall  say  to  this  mountain and  shall 

not  doubt he  shall  have  it." 


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5th  Day:     §  154.    Esther  made  Queen  (Esther  1:1—2:23) 

§  155.    Haman's      Promotion      and      Plot      (Esther 
3:1-15) 

§  156.    The     Deliverance     of     the     Jews      (Esther 
4:1—9:16) 

"The  great  secret  of  success  in  life  is  to  be  ready  when  your  op- 
portunity comes." — Lord  Beacons-field. 

1.  The  design  of  the  book  of  Esther  is  to  show  God's  providential 
care  over  His  people.  The  book  does  not  contain  the  name  of  God 
in  any  form,  nor  any  reference  to  the  Law,  nor  to  Jewish  institutions, 
because  it  is  designed  to  show  by  a  simple  narrative,  apparently  com- 
monplace in  every  respect,  that  God  cares  for  the  deliverance  of  His 
people  and  can  accomplish  it  at  any  moment  by  any  the  least  cir- 
cumstance (e.  g.,  "On  that  night  the  King  could  not  sleep,"  chap. 
6:1).  "The  feast  of  Purim  is  the  strongest  external  evidence  we 
have  for  the  historical  character  of  the  book,  and  gives  perhaps  a 
sufficient  ground  for  interpreting  it  from  that  point  of  view.  The 
poetic  interpretation  reduces  it  to  a  strange  fictitious  story." — 
Stearns. 

"The  same  God  who  watched  over  the  builders  of  the  temple  and 
the  walls  of  the  holy  city  also  guarded  these  stranger  Jews  in  the 
one  hundred  and  twenty  provinces  of  Ahasuerus'  empire.  'No 
weapon  that  is  formed  against  thee  shall  prosper,'  is  the  lesson  of 
this  story.  It  is  a  commentary  on  the  great  promise,  T  will  not  fail 
thee  nor  forsake  thee.'  " — Moorehead. 

Read  Esther,  chaps.  4:13-17,  and  7:1-10. 

2.  Read  Psalm  125.  "There  is  only  one  way  by  which  you  can 
ever  have  the  mountains  about  your  Jerusalem,  and  that  is  by 
building  your  Jerusalem  where  God  has  already  built  the  moun- 
tains."— Mackenzie. 

Personal  Thought:  How  fully  have  I  learned  that  no  risk  is 
run  when  one  does  right?  Shall  I  live  today  in  the  assurance  that 
God  is  round  about  me  on  every  hand?  What  effect  shall  this  have 
upon  my  thought  and  action? 


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6th  Day:    §  156.    The     Deliverance     of     the     Jews      (Esther 
4:1—9:16) 

§  157.    The  Feast  of  Purim    (Esther  9:17 — 10:3) 

"Behind  the  dim  unknown, 
Standeth  God  within  the  shadow, 
Keeping  watch  above  His  own." 

1.  While  the  name  of  God  is  not  mentioned  in  the  book  of 
Esther,  the  veil  which  hides  him  is  so  thin  in  places  that  we  can 
almost  see  through.  We  feel  His  presence  as  we  read.  In  no  one 
place  is  this  more  plain  than  in  the  closing  verses  of  chap.  4.  Here 
we  have  action  determined  upon  followed  by  prayer  for  success. 
The  action  determined  upon  was  manifestly  the  only  thing  to  do. 
There  was  no  need  to  pray  for  guidance  here.  Today  we  have 
too  frequently  a  reversal  of  the  order.  Prayer  is  not  often  enough 
followed  by  action,  so  that  much  that  goes  by  the  name  of  prayer 
is  naught. 

"The  obvious  truth  here  is,  if  we  really  pray  in  any  given  behalf, 
we  mean  that  we  are  quite  ready  to  be  used  to  answer  our  own 
prayers.  This  law  of  the  relation  of  prayer  to  action  invests  much 
of  our  praying  with  an  element  of  great  seriousness.  Into  how 
much,  for  example,  of  our  praying  for  the  conversion  of  the  heathen, 
home  or  foreign,  does  this  element  consciously  enter?  And  yet 
there  is  the  law.  If  we  pray  for  the  redemption  of  Africa,  knowing 
that  the  answer  to  our  prayer  means  the  sending  of  thousands  of 
missionaries  into  the  certainty  of  ruined  health,  and  the  probability 
of  speedy  death,  do  we  mean  that  we  are  ready,  God  willing,  to  be 
of  that  number?  If  not,  what,  think  you,  do  our  prayers  avail?" — 
Scofield. 

2.  Read  Esther,  chaps.  9  and  10. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  Psalm  127:1,  2.  The  second  verse 
means  that  even  in  sleep  (see  marginal  rendering)  God's  own  get 
what  no  painstaking  can  secure  for  those  who  do  not  take  Him  into 
their  counsel.  How  fully  shall  I  rest  today  in  the  provision  of  God 
for  me? 


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7th  Day:     §  158.    The  Decree  of  x\rtaxerxes  and  the  Journey 
to  Jerusalem  (Ezra  7:1 — 8:31) 

§  159.    The    Grief   and   the    Prayer   of    Ezra    (Ezra 
8:32—9:15) 

§  160.    The  Reforms  of  Ezra  (Ezra  10:1-44) 

"That  which  is  good  to  be  done  cannot  be  done  too  soon,  and  if 
it  is  neglected  to  be  done  early  it  will  frequently  happen  that  it  will 
not  be  done  at  all." — Selected. 

1.  Consult  Diagram  XLVII  for  the  relationship  of  events 
recorded  in  Ezra,  chaps.  7-10. 

Ezra  was  studious,  prayerful,  trustful,  grateful,  practical.  Note 
these  and  other  traits  as  you  proceed. 

2.  Read  Ezra,  chap.  7:1-10.  Dwell  upon  v.  10.  Note  the  order: 
(1)  To  seek;  (2)  To  do;  (3)  To  teach.  Glance  over  the  letter  of 
Artaxerxes,  7:11-26,  noting  the  prominence  given  to  God  in  it. 
Read  7:27,  28;  8:15—10:17.  In  8:1-16  are  given  the  names  of  the 
leaders  of  the  1500  persons  who  accompanied  Ezra  to  Jerusalem. 

"A  modern  pseudo-liberalism  objects  to  the  narrowness  of  view, 
which  induced  the  leaders  of  the  Jewish  community  to  bring  this 
'comparatively  trivial  and  in  some  respects  questionable'  controversy 
before  the  notice  of  Ezra But  it  is  not  denied  that  the  'nar- 
rower view,'  which  after  all  has  the  sanction  of  the  'Rabbi  of  Tar- 
sus,' who  bids  his  converts  'not  to  be  unequally  yoked  together  with 
unbelievers'  (2  Cor.  6:14),  was  suited  to  the  times,  and  helped  to 
keep  'alive  the  spirit  of  exclusive  patriotism  and  of  uncompromising 
zeal/  which  alone  enabled  the  community  to  maintain  its  existence 
during  the  times  of  depression  and  of  trial " — Razvlinson. 

3.  Read  Psalm  126  in  the  light  of  all  you  know  of  the  period 
of  the  return  from  Babylon. 

Personal  Thought:  "Ezra  set  his  heart  to  seek  the  law  of  the 
Lord,  and  to  do  it,  and  to  teach  in  Israel  statutes  and  judgments." 
Law  means  instruction,  teaching.  How  much  am  I  trying  to  teach 
that  I  do  not  do?    How  satisfactory  is  the  effort? 


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1st  Day:    §  161.    The   Occasion   and    Circumstances   of   Nehe- 
miah's  Journey  to  Jerusalem  (Neh.  1:1 — 2:8) 

§  162.    The  Building  of  the  City  Wall  in  Spite  of 
Opposition  (Neh.  2:9 — 6:19) 

"Here  are  two  very  essential  reins  of  influence  by  which  people 
may  be  turned  hither  and  thither,  restrained,  urged  forward  or  con- 
trolled. One  is  gentleness.  The  power  of  gentleness/  said  Henry 
Martyn,  'is  irresistible.'  The  balance  of  gentleness  is  firmness.  Let 
the  silken  reign  of  gentleness  be  united  with  the  fine-drawn  steel 
wire  of  firmness  and  you  hold  in  your  grasp  power  which  crowned 
heads  might  envy." — Selected. 

1.  Few  lives  of  the  Old  Testament  are  more  interesting  or  in- 
structive than  that  of  Nehemiah.  He  is  a  remarkable  illustration 
of  the  effective  combination  of  many  desirable  characteristics.  He 
was  a  man  of  gentleness  and  of  firmness ;  of  prayer  and  of  push ; 
of  faith  and  of  works ;  of  caution  and  of  courage ;  of  sympathy  and 
of  persistence;  of  deliberation  and  of  energetic,  prompt  action. 
He  was  a  man  of  rare  piety  and  at  the  same  time  a  most  efficient 
man  of  affairs.  He  was  at  once  an  originator,  a  propagator,  an  or- 
ganizer and  an  executor.  He  was  a  common-sense  enthusiast.  He 
was  a  "practical  mystic." 

2.  Read  Neh.,  chaps.  1:1 — 2:20,  judging  as  to  the  correctness  of 
the  above  estimate  of  Nehemiah.  The  key  to  the  third  chapter  is 
the  expression,  "And  next  unto  him." 

Personal  Thought:  "Then  the  king  said  unto  me,  For  what 
dost  thou  make  request?  So  I  prayed  to  the  God  of  heaven.  And 
I  said  to  the  king" — Nehemiah  asked  the  King  of  heaven  before  he 
answered  the  king  of  earth.  How  often  do  I  offer  ejaculatory 
prayer?  Who  are  most  likely  to  do  so?  What  has  been  the  pro- 
portion of  time  spent  in  prayer  during  this  course  of  Bible  study? 
Have  I  spent  enough  time  in  prayer? 


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2d  Day:     §  162.    The  Building  of  the  City  Wall  in  Spite  of 
Opposition  (Neh.  2:9 — 6:19) 

§  163.     Reforms  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah   (Neh.  7:1 — 
8:18) 

"No,  no,"  said  Livingstone  to  Stanley  when  urged  to  go  home, 
"to  be  knighted  as  you  say  by  the  Queen,  welcomed  by  thousands 
of  admirers,  yes — but  impossible.  It  must  not,  cannot,  will  not  be. 
1  must  finish  my  task." 

1.  Consult  Diagram  XLVII  a  moment  for  the  historical  situa- 
tion. 

2.  Read  the  quotation  and  first  paragraph  of  Study  30,  1st  Day. 
We  have  yet  further  characterization  of  Nehemiah  to  consider 
today.  Read  Neh.,  chaps.  5:1 — 7:5,  writing  down  any  traits  in 
Nehemiah  worthy  of  notice,  and  compare  your  result  with  the  fol- 
lowing paragraph. 

Nehemiah  was  unselfish,  generous-hearted,  hospitable,  prudent 
vigorously  just,  properly  reserved,  vigilant.  He  knew  human  nature, 
was  uncompromising  with  evil,  and  ruled  in  the  fear  of  the  Lord. 
He  was  irreproachable  in  conduct,  broad-minded,  humble,  dependent 
upon  God,  independent  of  man  when  occasion  required.  He  avoided 
occasions  of  stumbling,  and  wisely  selected  his  subordinates  and 
associates. 

Personal  Thought:  "I  am  doing  a  great  work  so  that  I  cannot 
come  down :  why  should  the  work  cease,  whilst  I  leave  it,  and  come 

down  to  you"? "Should  such  a  man  as  I  flee? I  will  not 

go  in."  What  answer  have  I  for  the  tempter  when  he  beguiles  me  ? 
What  sort  of  man  am  I  in  the  presence  of  such  an  one  as  Nehe- 
miah? How  often  and  with  what  energy  am  I  able  to  say:  "I 
will  not"? 


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STUDY  30:    LEADERS     OF     THE    RECONSTRUCTION 
PERIOD 


3d  Day:    §  163.    Reforms  of  Ezra  and  Nehemiah   (Neh.  7:1 — 
8:18) 

§  164.    A  Praiseful  Prayer  (Neh.  9:1-38) 

§  165.    The  Covenant  and  its  Approvers  (Neh.  10:1 — 
12:26) 

"That  Ezra  remained  at  Jerusalem  during  the  dozen  or  more 
years  after  he  had  instituted  the  reforms  of  which  we  learned  in 
Study  29,  is  unlikely.  Before,  he  had  been  associated  with  Zerub- 
babel,  who  was  governor.  Now,  it  is  with  Nehemiah  that  he  is  to 
work.  The  two  were  excellently  fitted  to  assist  and  supplement 
each  other.  One  possessed  in  a  high  degree  the  qualities  needed  in 
a  political  leader;   was   an  active    warrior,  a   sagacious   statesman 

;  the  other  was  above  all  things  a  teacher,  able  to guide 

in  the  way  of  true  knowledge  and  pure  religion.  Nehemiah's  prac- 
tical good  sense  showed  him,  when  he  had  battled  with  the  external 
difficulties  of  the  situation  and  overcome  them,  that  the  internal 
difficulties  were,  after  all,  the  greatest,  and  that,  to  meet  them,  he 
needed  a  man  of  spiritual  insight  and  influence,  who  could  bring  to 
bear  upon  the  people  the  weight  of  authority  which  still  remained 
to  the  priests,  together  with  the  magic  of  a  high  personal  reputa- 
tion for  wisdom  and  sanctity,  such  as  would  incline  all  to  submit 
to  him." — Rawlinson. 

1.  In  Neh.,  chaps.  8-10,  we  have  an  account  (1)  of  the  reading 
and  explanation  of  the  law,  (2)  its  solemn  approval  with  confession 
of  past  sins,  and  (3)  the  renewal  and  signature  of  the  covenant  to 
keep  the  law.  Read  these  chapters  today.  What  is  the  striking 
characteristic  of  the  prayer  in  chap.  9? 

Personal  Thought:  Psalm  119  may  be  called  the  Bible  Study 
Psalm.  It  belongs  probably  to  the  period  of  the  reconstruction. 
There  are  in  it:  (1)  Declarations;  (2)  Petitions;  (3)  Confes- 
sions ;  (4)  Determinations.  Read  the  first  16  verses  with  this  four- 
fold division  in  mind,  and  note  the  cordiality  with  which  you  are 
able  to  approve  each  sentiment.  Check  off  any  sentiments  to  which 
you  are  not  able  to  respond  heartily.  Ask  yourself,  why?  Mem- 
orize v.  11. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      211 

STUDY  30:    LEADERS    OF    THE    RECONSTRUCTION 
PERIOD 


4th  Day:    §  166.    The  Dedication  of  the  Walls  (Neh.  12:27— 
13:3) 

§  167.    Correction    of    Abuses    by    Nehemiah    (Neh.; 
13:4-31) 

"But  your  victory  rests  with  yourself.  Kinghood  over  the  vast 
territory  of  self  must  be,  in  order  to  a  genuine  forgiveness.  To 
tear  yourself  from  yourself,  to  double  yourself  up  and  thrust  your- 
self under  your  heels,  and  make  a  general  smash  of  yourself,  and 
be  all  the  more  truly  yourself  for  this  mauling  and  self-annihilation, 
— this  is  the  work  before  you,  and  a  mighty  work  it  is.  To  accom- 
plish this,  we  must  be  close  enough  to  Immanuel  to  feel  the  beating 
of  His  heart." — BushnelL 

1.  Read  rapidly  Neh.,  chap.  12  '.27-47,  which  contains  an  account 
of  the  dedication  of  the  wall.  Neh.  13:1-33  contains  an  account  of 
certain  reforms  and  regulations  of  Nehemiah  made  about  552  B.  C, 
or  12  years  after  his  first  visit  to  Jerusalem  (see  13:6).  The  pro- 
phecy of  Malachi  most  likely  belongs  to  these  last  days  of  Nehe- 
miah, inasmuch  as  the  disorders  of  which  the  prophet  speaks  were 
those  with  which  Nehemiah  contended.  Tomorrow  we  shall  con- 
sider the  message  of  Malachi.  Following  is  an  excellent  summary 
by  Bishop  Arthur  Hervey  of  the  character  of  Nehemiah.  As  you 
read  it  judge  respecting  its  accuracy.  Is  there  any  fault  which  you 
would  find  with  Nehemiah?  Did  he  recognize  himself  as  imper- 
fect ? 

2.  "On  reviewing  the  character  of  Nehemiah,  we  seem  unable  to 
find  a   single   fault   to   counterbalance  his  many  and   great   virtues. 

For   pure   and   disinterested   patriotism    he    stands    unrivaled 

Every  act  of  his  during  his  government  bespeaks  one  who  had  no 
selfishness  in  his  nature.  All  he  did  was  noble,  generous,  high- 
minded,  courageous,  and  to  the  highest  degree  upright.  But  to 
stern  integrity  he  united  great  humility  and  kindness,  and  a  princely 
hospitality.  As  a  statesman  he  combined  forethought,  prudence, 
and  sagacity  in  counsel,  with  vigor,  promptitude,  and  decision  in 
action.  In  dealing  with  the  enemies  of  his  country,  he  was  wary, 
penetrating,  and  bold.  In  directing  internal  economy  of  the  state, 
he  took  a  comprehensive  view  of  the  real  welfare  of  the  people,  and 


212      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  30:    LEADERS    OF    THE    RECONSTRUCTION 
PERIOD 


4th  Day:    §  166.    The  Dedication  of  the  Walls   (Neh.  12:27— 
13:3) 

§  167.    Correction    of    Abuses    by    Nehemiah    (Neh. 
13:4-31) 

adopted  the  measures  best  calculated  to  promote  it.  In  dealing, 
whether  with  friend  or  foe,  he  was  utterly  free  from  favor  or  fear, 
conspicuous  for  the  simplicity  with  which  he  aimed  only  at  doing 
what  was  right,  without  respect  of  persons.  But  in  nothing  was 
he  more  remarkable  than  for  his  piety,  and  the  singleness  of  eye 
with  which  he  walked  before  God.  He  seems  to  have  undertaken 
everything  in  dependence  upon  God,  with  prayer  for  His  blessing 
and  guidance,  and  to  have  sought  his  reward  only  from  God." 

Personal  Thought:  With  Psalm  119:17-32  deal  as  directed  to 
do  with  vv.  1-16  in  Personal  Thought  of  yesterday.  If  a  declara- 
tion, do  you  make  it?  If  a  petition,  do  you  offer  it?  If  a  confes- 
sion, do  you  present  it?  If  a  determination,  do  you  will  it? 
Memorize  v.  18. 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      213 

STUDY  30:    LEADERS     OF    THE    RECONSTRUCTION 
PERIOD 


5th  Day:     §  168.    The  Message  of   Malachi    (Mal.   1:1—4:6) 

"God  reveals  Himself  in  His  Word  as  He  does  in  His  works.  In 
both  we  see  a  self-revealing,  self-concealing  God,  who  makes  Him- 
self known  only  to  those  who  earnestly  seek  Him;  in  both  we  find 
stimulants  to  faith  and  occasions  for  unbelief;  in  both  we  find  con- 
tradictions whose  high  harmony  is  hidden,  except  from  him  who 
gives  up  his  whole  mind  to  reverence;  in  both,  in  a  word,  it  is  a 
law  of  revelation  that  the  heart  of  man  should  be  tested  in  receiving 
it;  and  that  in  the  spiritual  life,  as  well  as  in  the  bodily,  man  must 
eat  his  bread  in  the  sweat  of  his  brow.'' — Neander. 

1.  By  way  of  review  and  a  final  summary:  (1)  Write  out  in 
chronological  order  in  a  perpendicular  column  the  names  of  all  the 
persons  who  easily  come  into  mind  beginning  with  Abraham  and 
ending  with  Nehemiah ;  (2)  Set  over  in  a  second  column  on  the 
right  the  good  characters;  (3)  Set  over  in  a  third  column  to 
the  right  the  bad  characters ;  (4)  Set  over  in  a  fourth  column  your 
selection  of  the  thirty  characters,  whose  study,  on  the  whole,  you 
consider  to  be  most  profitable  for  instruction  and  reproof. 

2.  Recalling  what  was  noted  in  Study  30,  4th  Day,  about  the  rela- 
tion of  Malachi  to  Nehemiah,  read  in  Malachi  the  words  following 
the  expression  "Ye  say,"  in  1:2,  7,  13;  2:14;  3:7,  8,  13,  14.  Go 
now  over  those  expressions  in  order,  for  the  connection  in  each  case. 
Give  a  moment  to  2:10  and  the  connection.  Does  the  context  jus- 
tify the  popular  interpretation?  If  the  universal  fatherhood  is  here 
referred  to  would  the  prophet's  reasoning  have  force?  Is  he  not 
protesting  against  alliances  with  other  nations? 

Personal  Thought:  "For  I  the  Lord  change  not;  therefore  ye, 
O  sons  of  Jacob,  are  not  consumed."  Some  one  has  strikingly  said : 
"God  is  patient  because  He  is  eternal."  Am  I  wholly  free  from  the 
trifling  which  to  the  reprover  answers,  "Wherein?"  Of  what  spir- 
itual state  is  such  a  question  indicative? 


214      STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS 

STUDY  30:    LEADERS    OF    THE    RECONSTRUCTION 
PERIOD 


6th  Day:  §  169.  Some  Psalms  of  the  Restoration  Period 
(Psalms  85,  97,  105,  106,  118,  119,  126,  135, 
136,  146—150) 

"I  saw  a  beautiful  vase  and  asked  its  story.  Once  it  was  a  lump 
of  common  clay.  Then  it  was  crushed  and  ground  in  the  mill,  then 
put  upon  the  wheel  and  shaped,  then  polished  and  tinted,  then  put 
in  the  furnace  and  burned." — Selected. 

1.  Of  the  thirty  characters  selected  yesterday  as  on  the  whole 
most  profitable  for  study,  take  the  first  fifteen,  and  proceed  as  fol- 
lows: (1)  Go  over  the  list  naming  aloud  the  Sub-Period  in  which 
each  is  found  (refer  if  necessary  to  Diagram  III)  ;  (2)  Go  over  the 
list  a  second  time  naming  aloud  any  persons  of  whom  you  can  easily 
think,  who  were  associated  with  each  character;  (3)  Go  over  the 
list  a  third  time  writing  down  by  each  name  not  more  than  five  most 
prominent  traits  of  character.  Select  from  the  list  of  traits  given 
below,  or  introduce  others  as  you  think  best;  (4)  Go  over  the  list 
the  fourth  time  selecting  for  each  what  you  consider  to  be  the  most 
notable  characteristic.  Would  faithfulness  be  the  word  to  set  op- 
posite Abraham's  name?  What  better  than  persistence  could  you 
set  over  against  Jacob? 

2.  Some  Commendable  Traits  of  Character:  Courage,  Disinter- 
estedness, Purity,  Single-heartedness,  Persistence,  Faithfulness, 
Candor,  Calmness,  Cheerfulness,  Contentment,  Caution,  Promptness, 
Conscientiousness,  Decision,  Diligence,  Endurance,  Earnestness, 
Fearlessness,  Firmness,  Generosity,  Hopefulness,  Kindness,  Loyalty, 
Love,  Meekness,  Perseverance,  Patience,  Prudence,  Prayerfulness, 
Reverence,  Sincerity,  Resiliency,  Steadfastness,  Sympathy,  Self- 
control,  Self-reliance,  Thoroughness,  Truthfulness,  Zeal,  Uncom- 
promising Adherence  to  Conviction.  Note  how  prominent  this  last 
has  been  in  successful  characters. 

Personal  Thought:  Read  vv.  65-80  of  Psalm  119,  proceeding 
as  suggested  in  Personal  Thought  of  the  3d  Day,  this  Study. 
Memorize  v.  74.  How  will  my  hoping  in  God's  Word  be  the  occa- 
sion of  gladness  in  those  that  fear  Him? 


STUDIES  IN  OLD  TESTAMENT  CHARACTERS      215 

STUDY  30:    LEADERS     OF    THE     RECONSTRUCTION 
PERIOD 


7th  Day:    §  169.    Some     Psalms    of    the    Restoration     Period 
(Psalms  85,  97,  105,  106,  118,  119,  126,  135, 
136,  146—150) 

"To  find  the  truth  and  the  will  of  God  as  expressed  in  it,  to  stay 
by  it,  love  it,  make  it  one's  own,  defend  it  to  the  death, — that  is  the 
common  goal  of  religion  and  of  all  true  science.  If  one  man  study 
the  Bible  religiously  and  another  study  it  scientifically,  still  they 
are  friends  and  allies  unless  the  one's  religion  or  the  other's  science 
is  somehow  at  fault.  Indeed,  why  should  your  religion  exclude  my 
science  even  here,  or  my  science  your  religion,  if  both  the  science 
and  the  religion  possess  the  teachableness  and  the  sweet  humility  of 
the  little  child  to  which  was  made  the  promise  of  the  Kingdom?" — 
Bis  sell. 

1.  Proceed  with  the  second  fifteen  selected  characters  as  directed 
in  the  6th  Day  of  this  Study  to  do  with  the  first  fifteen.  Read  Isaiah 
42:1-9  for  a  portrayal  of  ideal  character.  In  vv.  2-4  we  have  the 
"Servant"  described  as:  (1)  Meek  and  quiet;  (2)  Tender  and  pa- 
tient; (3)  Persevering  and  hopeful.  Look  out  the  expressions  on 
which  this  analysis  is  based.  Read  quotation  at  head  of  Study  30, 
1st  Day.  Read  Isa.  50:4-9,  attempting  as  you  do  so  to  note  the 
prominent  features  of  the  character  described.  Is  there  any  simi- 
larity between  this  description  and  the  one  in  Isa.  42:1-9?  The 
"Servant"  passages  culminate  in  chaps.  52:13 — 53:12,  which  it  is 
suggested  you  now  read. 

Personal  Thought:  Do  with  vv.  97-112  of  Psalm  119  as  di- 
rected in  Personal  Thought  of  3d  Day  in  the  present  Study.  Mem- 
orize v.  97.     Live  v.  112  from  henceforth. 


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2.  In  connection  with  chapter  13,  read  Hebrews  3:19 

3.  In  connection  with  chapter  19,  read  Hebrews  9:13 

4.  In  connection  with  chapter  20,  read  Psalm  106  arid  1  Cor.  10:4 

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I.    Portions    be- 
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The  Call  and  the  Commission  of  Jeremiah 

4 

I 

II 
12 

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reign  of  Jehoia- 
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26 

>  } 

10      4 

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in  the  Temple  Court 

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arrested 

16:1-13 

16:14- 

19:1-13 

Jeremiah  as  an  Intercessor 

The  Prophet  remaining  unmarried 

Various  Messages  of  Warning 

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The  Potter's  vessel  broken  and  the  lesson 

*3 

V 

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Fourthl 

Year 
Messages 

20:18     f 

35 

36 

45 

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Jeremiah  Smitten  by  Pashhur  the  Priest 
Wine  offered  by  Jeremiah  to  the  Rechabites 
The  Roll  cut  and  burned  by  Jehoiakim 
The    Message    of   Jeremiah    to    Baruch    his 
secretary 

40 

Prophecies  against  Judah  and  the  Nations 

c 

as 

ha 
pa 

49     j 

13      > 

The  Linen  Girdle  and  its  message 

< 

22  ? 

23  5 

The  Kings  and  the  False  Prophets  arraigned 

B 

I— 1 

III.    Portions  be- 
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24 
27:1-11 

The  visions  of  the  baskets  of  figs 
The  symbolic  yokes  and  bands 

reign  of  Zede- 
kiah 

27:12-  1 

28:17     y 
f9       > 

The  Conflict  with  False  Prophets  in  Judea 
The  Conflict  with  False  Prophets  in  Babylon 

50  1 

51  -J 
3       1 

33       J 

The  Message  about  Babylon 

"The  book  of  Consolation,"  including  the  ac- 
count of  the  purchase  of  the  field 

34 

39,Cf.52j 

The  last  days  and  the  capture  of  Jerusalem 

IV.    Portions  be- 
longing to  post- 
captivity  times 

40  ) 

41  > 

42  ) 

Jeremiah  and  the  remnant  in  Judea 

1 

43  I 

44  J 

Jeremiah  and  the  remnant  in  Egypt 

> 

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Ezra  and  the  Temple— The  C 
Esther  and  the  People. 
Nehemiah  and  the  City— The 

3  With  Ezra,  chaps.  4-6,  read  Hagga 

4  With  Esther  associate  the  battles 

pylae  (480). 

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0    The  books  of  the  Bible  belonging 

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> 

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The  temple  building 
undertaken,       delayed 
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BS1194  .W58 

Studies  in  Old  Testament  characters. 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary-Speer  Library 


1    1012  00056  1656 


